Fintech Names Technology Veteran Tad Phelps as President

October 4, 2017

TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Fintech announced that Tad Phelps was promoted to president of Financial Information Technologies, LLC (Fintech) on October 1, 2017. As president, Tad will have responsibility for the company’s overall operations and report directly to Chief Executive Officer, Scott Riley.

Tad will oversee all aspects of the company’s overall strategic priorities and is responsible for advancing Fintech’s position as the leading provider of technology, analytics and data for the alcohol industry. “I am excited and honored to be working with a company like Fintech, whose talented executive team has the passion and drive to guide this company’s vision and keep their clients’ needs as the main priority. I feel privileged to be chosen to maximize their success and lead them through a continued development of a diverse and growing portfolio of products that serve the alcohol distributor and retail industry.”

Scott Riley, Fintech’s CEO, said: “Tad is the perfect choice as Fintech’s president, and this move is coming at the right time. Fintech has found a need for enriched data and insight in this market and Tad’s extensive industry experience and uncanny ability to motivate, guide and enrich our teams, make him the leader we need to execute these visions and accelerate Fintech into a new chapter that will be even more impactful than its last.”

Prior to Fintech, Phelps was with NCR for 16+ years including the past 4+ years as the vice president & global general manager for NCR’s Hospitality, Travel & Entertainment Divisions. Preceding this role, he had the following positions at Radiant Systems which was acquired by NCR in late 2011: vice president of the Americas, vice president of sales & marketing and managing director of sales for North America.

Before joining Radiant Systems he spent 15 years in the food service industry with AFC Enterprises, General Mills and PepsiCo Food Service and holds a BSBA degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. In his spare time he enjoys traveling, cooking, fishing and following his children’s many sporting activities.

Tad and his wife Barbara have been married for more than 18 years and have 3 children, TJ (16), Dylan (13), and Sydney (12). They have recently relocated from the Cumming, GA area to the Tampa Bay, FL area.

For more information on Fintech’s OneSource solution, please visit www.fintech.net or contact 800.572.0854.

About Fintech
Fintech®, the leader in data and electronic payment for alcohol purchases, provides a OneSource® solution assisting retailers and distributors in managing their beverage alcohol business. With a comprehensive suite of products and services, Fintech provides insight into purchasing habits and product cost, resolution through reconciliation, purchase order and credit tools, and an avenue for the seamless exchange of data. Servicing over 470,000 relationships and 3,200 distributors, Fintech processes over 500,000 invoices weekly, representing $26 billion in payments annually.
For more information, visit www.fintech.net and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Contact: Misha Hart, 800.572.0854 x 3827, [email protected]
Fintech on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

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SOURCE Fintech

Home Depot’s Top Picks for Product Innovation 2017

October 4, 2017

ATLANTA, Oct. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Home Depot’s (NYSE: HD) merchants work tirelessly with vendors all year long to create innovative products – in other words, products that save customers time and money, making everyday tasks easier.

Here are the top 10 products leading the way in home improvement innovation.

The Home Depot 2017 Innovation Award Winners

Winner: LifeProof Vinyl Plank Flooring

LifeProof Vinyl Plank Flooring gives you the look of hardwood, with the benefits of vinyl. This highly engineered plank is water resistant, shock-absorbing and available in over 40 patterns. No need to hire an installer with drop-and-lock joints to connect each plank tool-free, laying over an existing surface. It’s also safe for kids and pets, as it’s phthalate and formaldehyde free.Available only at The Home Depot.First Runner-Up: Dewalt Max Flexvolt

Dewalt’s Max Flexvolt system delivers the power of corded tools, with the freedom and flexibility of going cordless. Get projects done quickly without having to wait for your tool recharge – Flexvolt is the world’s first battery that automatically changes voltage when you change tools, extending battery life. The brushless motor means less friction, extending the actual life of the tool.

Second Runner-Up: Ring Floodlight Cam

Ring’s Floodlight Cam will make sure you don’t miss a thing with its bright lights and high-definition camera. Ensure maximum safety at home—as soon as motion happens, the built-in floodlights turn on, and the camera starts recording. Customers can easily install this product while connecting it directly to their mobile device to monitor their property anytime, anywhere.

Honorable Mentions:

Petproof Carpet is the perfect carpet for families with children and pets because of its lifetime stain resistance, superior softness and extreme durability. It stands up to everyday messes and spills, and is easy to clean. Available only at The Home Depot.

Rio Daplendia is a beautiful, drought-resistant annual bloom that originates from the mountains above Rio de Janero. It’s suitable for all climates in the U.S. – being tolerant of both hot and cold temperatures – and will add a trendy, tropical look to your garden. Available only at The Home Depot.

Pure Safety is the world’s first certified asthma and allergy-friendly insulation that is mold and mildew resistant. You’ll breathe easier and get a better night’s sleep knowing it’s fire-resistant, sound-absorbing and can assist with energy bills. Available only at The Home Depot.

Milwaukee Outdoor Power Program – Yard work is done faster without a cord to trip you up outside. This outdoor power suite includes everything you need to maintain a gorgeous lawn – including a blower, trimmer and hedger – and uses Redlink Plus technology to talk between the tool, battery and charger, extending the life of all tools. Available only at The Home Depot.

Moen Press & Mark Bath – Get classic style with the ease and benefit of installing it yourself: a washable ink stamp will show you exactly where to drill, eliminating the need for a traditional paper template. Available only at The Home Depot.

Diablo 5″ SandNet Disc will help you get your sanding job done quicker, more efficiently, while needing less materials to do it. The most advanced sanding technology on the market with 10x longer life versus standard sanding discs – ideal for sanding wood, metal, plastic and solid surfaces. Available only at The Home Depot.

PPG Timeless – Trusted by pros and now available for your DIY exterior wood projects, PPG Timeless Stain will protectyour deck, fence or siding from UV damage, mold, mildew, warping, cracking – all while displaying the wood’s natural texture and delivering a rich, long-lasting color.

Click here to watch a video about the top 10 Innovation Award finalists.

Ron Jarvis, Home Depot’s vice president of environmental, recognized Kellogg Garden Products with the Environmental Partner of the Year Award for its efforts to remove the price barrier for customers to buy organics.

Kevin Hofmann, Home Depot’s president of online and chief marketing officer, recognized Samsung with the Marketing Innovation Award for their partnership with the launch of the Flexwash and Flexdry offering customers a clear value proposition to save time by having the capability to complete two loads at once.

Additionally, the following companies received Home Depot’s Supplier Partner of the Year Award:

Lumber: Alta Forest Products
Building Materials: US Gypsum
Flooring: Engineered Floors
Paint: Wooster
Hardware: Big Time Products
Tools: Geelong (Husky Workbenches)
Plumbing: TrueAire Industries
Electrical: Leviton
Lighting: Bright Industries
Indoor Garden: Cub Cadet
Outdoor Garden: Altman Plants
Appliances: GE Appliances
Kitchen & Bath: Woodcrafters
Millworks: OrePac Building Products
Décor: Nien Made (Home Decorators Blinds)

Photo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/567314/The_Home_Depot.jpg

Video – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/567325/The_Home_Depot_LifeProof.mp4

Photo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/567320/The_Home_Depot_Dewalt_Max_Flexvolt.jpg

Photo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/567319/The_Home_Depot_Ring_Floodlight_Cam.jpg

Logo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/567280/THE_HOME_DEPOT_LOGO.jpg

SOURCE The Home Depot

“ESTILISTA EN MANHATTAN”: A Hair Extension Empire In The Big Apple

October 4, 2017

MIAMI, Oct. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — New York stylist and entrepreneur Christina Oliva lands at Discovery Familia with ESTILISTA EN MANHATTAN, a new series that follows Christina and her family as they face the challenges of running a hair extensions business in the Big Apple. ESTILISTA EN MANHATTAN will air on Tuesdays at 10pm E/P starting October 17th.

18-year-old Christina opened a hair salon in her home garage in Staten Island, and with a natural talent and unparalleled technique, she grew her clientele and moved to a new location. Her business continued to expand and now she runs another salon in the heart of Manhattan and has managed to turn her small company into a solid family business.

The six-episode series follows Christina and her Italian-American family as they face the challenges of running an expanding business. The delicate balance between personal and business life, financial worries, and employee conflicts will be some of the recurring themes. But the arrival of each new client reveals an exciting life story that ends with a surprising makeover.

Twins who want a new look to differentiate themselves, a mother undergoing chemotherapy hoping to recover her hair, and a transgender woman who believes extensions will give her more confidence, are some of the clients who visit Christina in her salon. This expert not only does incredible makeovers, but also helps people change the way they see themselves while boosting their confidence and self-esteem.

For more about network programming, please follow us facebook.com/discoveryfamilia, Instagram: @Discovery.familia, and Twitter @DiscoveryFam

About Discovery Familia
Part of Discovery Communications, Discovery Familia is the Spanish-language network dedicated to Hispanic women and the things that matter in their lives. During the day, the Discovery Kids block provides a safe environment for children aged 2-6 with entertaining, curriculum-based programming to prepare them for the world around them. In the evening, the channel offers programming for women, focusing on topics such as home décor, food, health, beauty and parenting. Discovery Familia also reaches audiences across screens on the ”Discovery Familia GO” TV Everywhere app. For more information, please follow us on facebook.com/discoveryfamilia, Instagram: @Discovery.familia, and Twitter @DiscoveryFam.

Photo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/567740/Discovery_Familia__ESTILISTA_EN_MANHATTAN.jpg

SOURCE Discovery Familia

(Español) Hábitat prepara plan de respuesta de largo plazo en Puerto Rico tras el paso del Huracán María

October 4, 2017

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

The European Union and Olives from Spain Redesign the Latest Gastronomic Tendencies: Have an Olive Day Presents the Mediterranean Version of Ceviches, Baos and Makis

October 4, 2017

NEW YORK, Oct. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Olives from Spain explore a few recipes that can be enhanced by the unmistakable Mediterranean touch of olives. Olives from Spain bring a different taste to current popular dishes.

Olives are a fundamental element of the gastronomy of all Mediterranean countries. Thanks to olives’ great taste and versatility, they can also be part of other traditional dishes, such as ceviches, baos or makis.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:
https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8194251-e-u-olives-from-spain-redesign-gastronomy/

The European Union and Interaceituna teach us to introduce all the flavor, aroma and color that table olives can bring to these cuisines. This can be seen as a new type of gastronomic fusion straight from the world leaders of production and quality, which becomes a differentiating element that allows North American foodies to prepare dishes from Japan, South America or China, with a marked Mediterranean twist.

This is the base of fusion cuisine: to adapt food and amend to local tastes and habits. This new philosophy makes dishes and products from any corner of the world popular for both cultures. Here, olives have much to contribute. Olives enclose the four basic flavors (sweet, salty, bitter and acid), which opens up an immense horizon of possibilities when mixing them with other ingredients.

These are some of the examples you can find at www.haveanoliveday.eu that demonstrates how easy it is to succeed at home giving trending recipes a touch of color and Mediterranean flavor:

Tuna and olives temaki

http://www.haveanoliveday.eu/index.php/videorecipes/new-trends/105-tuna-and-olives-temaki

Olives ceviche, prawns and mango

http://www.haveanoliveday.eu/index.php/videorecipes/new-trends/106-olives-ceviche

Lamb Bao with olives

http://www.haveanoliveday.eu/index.php/videorecipes/new-trends/33-lamb-bao-with-olives

Have a trendy day… Have an Olive Day!

About INTERACEITUNA and Olives from Spain

INTERACEITUNA is the Inter-Professional Table Olive Organization recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and Environment that represents the entire production, processing and marketing sectors of table olives. Created to implement different general interest programs and activities, INTERACEITUNA promotes knowledge of the Spanish table olive and conducts research and development related to the product and production techniques.

@HaveanOliveDay
haveanoliveday
www.haveanoliveday.eu

Más información:
[email protected]
[email protected]

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SOURCE Olives from Spain

Akaan and Aegon joint venture launches asset management company for Mexico

October 4, 2017

MEXICO CITY, Oct. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Aegon NV and its subsidiary Transamerica have joined forces with Administradora Akaan to create an asset management company named Akaan Transamerica. Akaan Transamerica has recently received formal approval from the Mexican Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV) to initiate operations and go to market.

Akaan Transamerica will offer a wide variety of Mexican and International mutual funds as well as diversified global investment solutions. Akaan Transamerica has implemented Aladdin^®, BlackRock’s trading and risk management system which combines leading-edge risk analytics with comprehensive portfolio management, trading and operations on a single platform.

Akaan Transamerica will leverage the extensive investment knowledge and experience from a highly skilled team of investment management professionals. Its product offering includes alternative investments, actively- and passively-managed funds, and bespoke investment strategies. In addition to the wide variety of investment products, Akaan Transamerica will offer integrated investment solutions for individuals and companies based on their financial needs. Akaan’s Chairman and Founder, Fernando Quiroz, was formerly CEO and Vice Chairman of Citigroup’s ICG Mexico and Latin America as well as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for Banco De Chile. Mr. Quiroz was also a Board member of Banamex, Grupo Financiero Banamex, Aeromexico and the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV).

Mark Mullin, President and CEO of Transamerica, commented, “We are thrilled to form this partnership with the highly respected firm of Akaan and to benefit from the tremendous expertise of Fernando Quiroz. We are determined to help individuals and corporations in Mexico pursue wealth accumulation and growth as they work toward securing a sound financial future.”

Fernando Quiroz, commented, “We are delighted to have formed a JV and a strategic alliance with Aegon and Transamerica. Our teams worked extremely hard to set up a new asset management company, with a state-of-the-art technological platform and the most innovative financial solutions for our clients.”

Kent Callahan, President and CEO of Transamerica Latin America, added, “This unique combination of experienced professionals and cutting edge technology sets a new bar for customer service excellence in the asset management business in Mexico.”

AEGON NV, based in The Netherlands, is one of the world´s leading providers of life insurance, pensions and asset management with €817b in revenue-generating assets. Administradora Akaan is a Mexico-based wealth management firm that provides best-in-class financial and wealth management solutions to Mexican individuals, families and institutions. In 2013, Aegon entered into a joint venture with Administradora Akaan S.A. de C.V. and created Akaan-Aegon S.A.P.I. de C.V. to explore financial services opportunities.

About Aegon/Transamerica
With a history that dates back more than 100 years, Transamerica is recognized as a leading provider of life insurance, retirement and investment solutions, serving millions of customers throughout the United States. Recognizing the necessity of health and wellness during peak working years in order to enhance the prospects for a lifetime of financial security, Transamerica’s dedicated professionals work to help people take the steps necessary to live better today so they can worry less about tomorrow. Transamerica serves nearly every customer segment, providing a broad range of quality life insurance and investment products, individual and group pension plans and asset management services. In 2016, Transamerica fulfilled its promises to customers, paying more than $7.2 billion in insurance and annuity benefits, including the return of annuity premiums paid by customers. Transamerica’s corporate headquarters is located in Baltimore, Maryland, with other major operations in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Denver, Colorado. Transamerica is part of the Aegon group of companies. For more information, please visit www.transamerica.com.

About Akaan
Akaan is a Mexico-based wealth management firm that provides comprehensive financial and wealth management solutions to Mexican individuals, families and institutions. Akaan was founded by Fernando Quiroz in 2012. Akaan is a financial services group, with four major subsidiaries. An asset management company, Akaan Transamerica, is a 50-50 Joint Venture with Aegon and Transamerica. A broker-dealer, which was acquired from Itaú BBA in 2016. An insurance company (in authorization process with Mexican authorities), Akaan Lombard International, is a 50-50 Joint Venture with Lombard International, a leading global life insurance-based wealth solutions provider, combining the strength and expertise of two specialist life insurance companies with over 25 years’ experience and market leadership in their respective fields. Lombard International provides wealth structuring solutions using private placement life insurance and annuity products to high net worth individuals, their families and institutions around the globe. (Funds managed by Blackstone own Lombard International. Blackstone is one of the world’s leading investment firms with assets under management of over $367 billion.). Finally, Akaan’s Alternatives division offers custom investment solutions dedicated to Private Equity, Infrastructure and Real Estate.

Akaan has one of the most experienced and professional banking teams in Latin America, and has a presence in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.

Media inquiries:
Greg Tucker
+1 443 475 3017
[email protected]

Logo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/556903/Transamerica_Akaan_Transamerica_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Transamerica

A New Epidemic: Digital Dating Abuse Widespread But Underreported Among Young Americans

October 4, 2017

DALLAS, Oct. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/– For young Americans in the dating scene, a new epidemic has emerged – digital dating abuse. Today, Mary Kay released data from its eighth annual Truth About Abuse Survey which reveals that more than 1 in 4 (27%) of young Americans report they have personally experienced digital dating abuse and another 39% know someone who has. While the problem is widespread, it is also underreported, increasing the need for intervention and education.

“As a corporate leader in the fight against domestic violence, we know how important it is to educate and empower young people about warning signs before they happen,” said Kirsten Gappelberg, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability for Mary Kay Inc. “Through this year’s Truth About Abuse Survey, we’ve learned that young people have difficulty recognizing digital dating abuse. This tells us there’s an opportunity to raise awareness while helping to educate young people as they navigate the complex combination of today’s dating scene and the ever-changing world of technology.”

According to the survey, warning signs of digital dating abuse young people have experienced include:

Significant other going through their phone (46%)
Texting, calling or emailing excessively to “check-in” (33%)
A partner sending unwanted, lewd texts or emails (18%)
Posting embarrassing or negative content about a significant other on social media (14%)

The survey also revealed surprising results about the widespread epidemic:

Gender gap: young women are at an even greater risk for abuse with 30% of girls compared to 24% of boys reporting that they have personally experienced digital dating abuse.
Social media danger: 75% of young people believe social media has become more of a tool for abusers than a resource for victims.
More education needed: 82% of young people said they need more information to talk to friends about digital dating abuse.

“It is disheartening to see abusive partners leverage technologies that are intended to mobilize our lives and bring us closer to our loved ones as a tool for controlling their partners,” said Cameka Crawford, Chief Communications Officer at loveisrespect. “As technology changes every day, our strategies to prevent and to end abuse must change and adapt as well. The results from Mary Kay’s survey further illustrate the need for more education, ensuring young adults and teens are building healthy relationships in all contexts and across all landscapes, including the digital world.”

The 2017 survey is part of Mary Kay’s Don’t Look Away campaign which works to educate the public on recognizing the signs of an abusive relationship, how to take action and to raise awareness for support services. In partnership with Wakefield Research, 1,000 young people ages 13-24 nationwide participated in the survey as a representation of America’s young population. To date, Mary Kay Inc. and The Mary Kay Foundation℠ have given $57 million to domestic violence prevention and awareness programs in an effort to end the cycle of abuse.

About Mary Kay
At Mary Kay, success lies in our dedication to irresistible products, a rewarding opportunity and positive community impact. For more than 54 years, Mary Kay has inspired women to achieve their entrepreneurial goals in nearly 40 countries. As a multibillion-dollar company, we offer the latest in cutting-edge skin care, bold color cosmetics and fragrances. Discover more reasons to love Mary Kay at marykay.com.

Mary Kay Inc. Corporate Communications
marykay.com/newsroom
972.687.5332 or [email protected]

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/567288/Mary_Kay_Inc_digital_dating_Infographic.jpg

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/567312/Mary_Kay_logo.jpg

SOURCE Mary Kay Inc.

Small And Mid-Size Business Leaders Curb Their Enthusiasm Somewhat, But Remain Optimistic About U.S. Economy

October 4, 2017

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Optimism among business owners and leaders remains high, but has shifted significantly to a more moderate level according to the PNC Economic Outlook, a biannual telephone survey of small and medium-sized business owners, which began in 2003.

Photo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/566482/PNC_Fall_2017_Economic_Outlook_Infographic.jpg

The share of respondents who described their outlook for the U.S. economy as strongly optimistic dropped from 40 percent to 29 percent, balanced by those with a moderately optimistic outlook rising from 48 percent to 58 percent. Just 12 percent of business owners and leaders expressed pessimism, up slightly from an all-time low of 9 percent in the spring.

“Small businesses are a key source of economic activity and employment, and owners’ perceptions can be good indicators of what’s to come,” said Gus Faucher, chief economist of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. “The overall findings from our survey confirm that the U.S. economic expansion, now more than eight years old and the third-longest in U.S. history, will continue into 2018.”

Further solidifying the anticipation of continued growth, more than half of business owners and leaders anticipate increases in sales (54 percent) and profits (51 percent) during the next six months, an increase over fall 2016, but a slight drop from post-election highs reported in spring 2017.

Key survey findings include:

Hiring Under Pressure: One in three (34 percent) say it’s harder to hire qualified employees than it was six months to a year ago. Specifically, manufacturing and construction sectors most frequently cited hiring difficulties. The top challenges in hiring cited were:

Inadequate skills and experience (44 percent)
Overall lack of applicants (18 percent)
Candidates requiring higher compensation than the business owner can afford (9 percent).

When offered as a response for the first time in the survey’s history, one in 20 (5 percent) cite issues with candidates’ abilities to pass required controlled substance screening.

“Hiring has become more difficult across all skill levels,” said Faucher. “Organizations even report that they have turned down business because of a lack of workers. That said, the one ongoing problem with the economic expansion remains persistently soft wage growth. Given the low unemployment rate and consistent complaints from firms about the difficulty in finding workers, wage growth should be stronger. Wage growth is likely to pick up as the job market continues to tighten.”

Wage Watchers: The proportion of employers anticipating to increase employee compensation continues to be relatively high, with 37 percent expecting to do so, a slight dip from 41 percent in the spring, but still well above the 28 percent from fall 2016. Among the majority (58 percent) who do not anticipate increasing pay, most believe their provided compensation is sufficient – either asserting that their current compensation level isn’t affecting hiring or retention (34 percent), or that the pay is competitive for the industry (32 percent).

Certainly Uncertain About Policy: Thirty-six percent of respondents expect policy changes from the new administration and Congress to have a positive impact on their business over the next year if they were to go into effect. One in eight (13 percent) anticipate a negative impact (a small increase over 9 percent in spring 2017), while 40 percent are unsure and 11 percent anticipate no effect.

A digital package containing national and regional survey results is available at http://pnc.mediaroom.com/digital-packages.

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.

Methodology
The PNC Economic Outlook survey was conducted by telephone from July 6 to August 3, 2017, among 500 businesses within the United States with annual revenues of $100,000 to $250 million. Sampling error for the national results is +/- 4.4 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. The survey was conducted by Artemis Strategy Group (www.ArtemisSG.com), a communications strategy research firm specializing in brand positioning and policy issues. The firm, headquartered in Washington D.C., provides communications research and consulting to a range of public and private sector clients.

This report was prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as specific advice or recommendations. Any reliance upon this information is solely and exclusively at your own risk.

CONTACT:

Amy Vargo
(412) 762-1535
[email protected]

SOURCE PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

Migrant Justice and Ben & Jerry’s Reach Groundbreaking Agreement to Implement New, Transformative Worker-Led Labor Initiative in Dairy Industry

October 4, 2017

Ben & Jerry's and Migrant Justice sign Milk with Dignity Agreement on October 3, 2017 in Burlington, VT

BURLINGTON, Vermont, Oct. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Ben & Jerry’s and Migrant Justice have reached an historic agreement to implement the worker-driven Milk with Dignity (MD) Program in Ben & Jerry’s Northeast dairy supply chain. Over the past two years, the parties have worked tirelessly to accomplish their shared goal to bring together farmworkers, farmers, and dairy buyers to ensure just and dignified working conditions in Ben & Jerry’s northeast dairy supply chain. Now, farmworkers and Ben & Jerry’s are ready to go, pivoting to a new partnership to implement this groundbreaking, worker-led initiative. Work will begin this fall on a multi-year plan with the goal of eventually sourcing 100% of Ben & Jerry’s milk through the MD Program and a holistic dairy program that addresses all key aspects of dairy farming.

Migrant Justice’s Milk with Dignity Program, modeled after the world-renowned Fair Food Program, enlists the resources of food industry leaders, such as Ben & Jerry’s, to provide a premium for dairy ingredients to participating farmers who agree to work towards compliance with the labor standards in the Milk with Dignity Code of Conduct. The premium paid to farmers helps offset farms’ costs of compliance with the Code, rewards farms that comply, and allows farmers to pass-through a portion of the premium as a bonus paid to workers. In the Milk with Dignity Program, compliance on the farm is achieved through a unique partnership and problem-solving approach among farmers, farmworkers, and the Milk with Dignity Standards Council (MDSC). The MDSC is an independent non-profit that works with farmers and farmworkers to understand, participate in, and achieve compliance with labor standards in the Code.

A group of farmworkers, supporters and Ben & Jerry’s employees stood outside the company’s flagship store on Vermont’s iconic Church Street, where farmworker organizer and former dairy worker Enrique Balcazar shared, “This is an historic day for dairy workers. We have worked tirelessly to get here, and now, we move forward towards a new day for us dairy workers. This is a huge step forward for us and for all workers and we appreciate that Ben & Jerry’s has taken a leadership role to source its milk in a way that improves working and housing conditions on dairy farms.”

“This is a ground breaking, historic moment not only for two organizations, but most importantly for the hard working dairy farm workers who are a critical part of our community.” Solheim acknowledged how key the farmers and cooperative are to making the next steps of program implementation possible, sharing that this program will result in a win-win for all involved. “Vermont’s farmers can continue to set the tone for the dairy industry. Today, whether it is for animal care, environmentally sound operations, and now, enhanced labor practices, Vermont’s farming community will continue to lead the nation. We are proud of our partnership with the St. Albans Cooperative and these farmers have our full commitment. We recognize the many challenges facing the Vermont dairy farmers today, and we need to do what we can collectively to support the farmers moving forward. We can’t do this without them.”

Both organizations put pen to paper at the Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop in their shared hometown of Burlington, Vermont. The plan now is to put the buyer’s agreement into practice by recruiting farmers from St. Albans Cooperative to join the Program as soon as possible. Ben & Jerry’s has committed to work towards the goal of sourcing 100% of its dairy ingredients through the Milk with Dignity Program over a period of years. Moving forward, The MD Program will be one of the focused “pillars” of Ben & Jerry’s new dairy sourcing to address the full farm ecosystem.

For more information about Migrant Justice, Milk with Dignity, or Ben & Jerry’s follow the links below:
Migrant Justice: http://migrantjustice.net/
Milk with Dignity: https://migrantjustice.net/milk-with-dignity
Ben & Jerry’s: www.benjerry.com/

About Migrant Justice

Our mission is to build the voice, capacity, and power of the farmworker community and engage community partners to organize for economic justice and human rights. We gather the farmworker community to discuss and analyze shared problems and to envision collective solutions. Through this ongoing investment in leadership development, members deepen their skills in community education and organizing for long-term systemic change. From this basis our members have defined community problems as a denial of rights and dignity and have prioritized building a movement to secure these fundamental human rights to: 1) Dignified Work and Quality Housing; 2) Freedom of Movement and Access to Transportation; 3) Freedom from discrimination; 4) Access to Health Care.

About Ben & Jerry’s

As an aspiring social justice company, Ben & Jerry’s believes in a greater calling than simply making a profit for selling its goods. The company produces a wide variety of super-premium ice cream, yogurt and sorbet using high-quality ingredients. Ben & Jerry’s incorporates its vision of Linked Prosperity into its business practices in a number of ways including a focus on values-led sourcing. In 2015 the company completed its transition to using entirely non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) ingredients by source as well as to fully source Fairtrade-certified ingredients wherever possible, which benefits farmers in developing countries. Ben and Jerry’s products are distributed in 35 countries in supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, franchise Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops, restaurants and other venues. Ben & Jerry’s, a Vermont corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Unilever, operates its business on a three-part Mission Statement emphasizing product quality, economic reward and a commitment to the community. Ben & Jerry’s became a certified B Corp (Benefit Corporation) in 2012. The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation’s employee-led grant programs totaled $2.5MM in 2016 to support economic and social justice, environmental restoration, and peace through understanding. For the inside scoop on Ben & Jerry’s visit www.benjerry.com.

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SOURCE Ben & Jerry’s

Get a flu shot to help reduce risk of birth defects, March of Dimes says

October 3, 2017

WHITE PLAINS, New York, Oct. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy should protect their own health and that of their baby by getting their annual flu shots right away, the March of Dimes says.

The March of Dimes notes that getting get sick with the flu early in pregnancy makes you twice as likely to have a baby with a serious birth defect of the brain, spine, or heart as women who don’t catch the virus.

It’s unclear whether it’s the high fever associated with influenza, or the disease itself that contributes to the increased risk of birth defects, experts say. But reducing the risk of birth defects is an important reason why all pregnant women and women thinking of having a baby should get an annual flu shot.

Only half of all pregnant women in the United States get a flu shot each season, leaving thousands of moms-to-be and their babies at increased risk of serious illness.

“The annual flu shot should be a top priority for women’s health this time of year,” says Paul E. Jarris, MD, MBA. “Health care providers should offer all their female patients of childbearing age a flu shot. And if they don’t offer it, then women should seek it out.”

Pregnant women are in greater need of a flu shot because the normal changes to their immune system, heart and lungs put them at increased risk of the harmful effects of flu infection. Also, babies born to women who got their flu shots while pregnant are protected from serious illness from influenza during their first six months of life. Immunized women also have a lower risk of flu-related hospitalizations for chronic asthma, heart conditions, diabetes, a weakened immune system, and other health-related problems.

Studies involving thousands of pregnant women who received the seasonal flu vaccine have shown that immunized women do not have a higher risk of preterm babies or babies with birth defects than unimmunized women. Researchers also found that immunized women are less likely to experience a stillbirth.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recommends that everyone six months of age or older, including pregnant women, be vaccinated annually against the influenza virus.

In addition to getting their annual flu shots, pregnant women can lower their risks of catching the flu by limiting contact with others who are sick; not touching the eyes, nose and mouth; washing hands with soap and water before touching others; using hand sanitizers; using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher to wash the dishes and utensils; and not sharing dishes, glasses, utensils, or toothbrushes. Also, those who live with pregnant women, or who are in close contact with them, including children over six months old, should also get a flu shot each year.

Pregnant women who develop flu symptoms, such as sudden onset fever, muscle aches, and cough should contact their health care providers as soon as possible to discuss beginning an anti-viral treatment.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. For more than 75 years, moms and babies have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines, and breakthroughs. For the latest resources and health information, visit our websites marchofdimes.org and nacersano.org. If you have been affected by prematurity or birth defects, visit our shareyourstory.org community to find comfort and support. For detailed national, state and local perinatal statistics, visit peristats.org. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram or Twitter.

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SOURCE March of Dimes

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