POST® PEBBLES™ Kick Starts 2017 with Launch of Cinnamon PEBBLES™

January 3, 2017

LAKEVILLE, Minnesota, Jan. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Post Consumer Brands is kicking off the New Year by unveiling Cinnamon Pebbles. The new variety stays true to the fun of the classic Pebbles cereal, but with a creative flavor twist. Each box is packed with a cinnamon sweet taste and is sure to become an instant hit with Pebbles fans.

“We’re always looking to bring to life new and innovative flavors, and with the growing popularity and consumer demand for all-things cinnamon, it’s the perfect time to add this delicious flavor to the Pebbles product line,” said Oliver Perez, Senior Brand Manager at Post Consumer Brands. “Similar to the classic Fruity and Cocoa Pebbles brands, the new Cinnamon Pebbles cereal will provide a total sensory overload. As soon as you open a box of Cinnamon Pebbles, the sweet cinnamon smell really comes to life.”

Whether eaten straight from the box, poured in a bowl with milk or added into recipes, Cinnamon Pebbles delivers great taste for cereal lovers of all ages. Recipes such as Cocoa Pebbles Churros or Fruity Pebbles Cereal Milk Doughnuts can easily be made with Cinnamon Pebbles for a unique twist on these traditional sweet treats. For more kid-friendly recipes like these, Pebbles fans can visit: https://www.postconsumerbrands.com/brands/pebbles/

Post Cinnamon Pebbles begins to hit select grocery stores nationwide this month. Pebbles fans can find a store near them by visiting https://www.postconsumerbrands.com/store-locator.

For creative inspiration, connect with Pebbles on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PebblesCereal or on Instagram and Twitter by following @PebblesCereal.

About Post Consumer Brands
Post Consumer Brands is a business unit of Post Holdings, Inc., formed from the combination of Post Foods and MOM Brands in May 2015. Headquartered in Lakeville, Minn., Post Consumer Brands today is the third largest cereal company in the United States, with a broad portfolio spanning all segments of the category — from iconic household name brands and value ready-to-eat cereals to natural/organic and hot cereal varieties. As a company committed to high standards of quality and to our values, we are driven by one idea: To make better happen every day. For more information about our brands, visit www.postconsumerbrands.com.Photo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/452098/Post_Consumer_Brands_Cinnamon_Pebbles.jpg

Post_Consumer_Brands_Cinnamon_Pebbles_Doughnuts

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March of Dimes Offers 9 New Year’s Resolutions on Healthy Pregnancy for Moms-to-Be

December 30, 2016

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WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Dec. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — If you’re a woman who’s pregnant or planning a baby this season, make a New Year’s resolution to be as healthy as you can, says the March of Dimes Foundation. The first step is to start taking a daily multivitamin containing the B vitamin folic acid, even if you’re not trying to get pregnant.

“Your health before and during pregnancy has a direct impact on your baby,” says Dr. Siobhan Dolan, a medical advisor to the March of Dimes and co-author of the non-profit’s book Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby: The Ultimate Pregnancy Guide. “The good news is that there are many things you can do as a mom-to-be that can protect your own health and help you have a healthy baby.”

Dr. Dolan says it’s also a good idea to eat foods that contain folate, the natural form of folic acid, including lentils, green leafy vegetables, black beans, and orange juice. In addition, some foods are fortified with folic acid, including enriched grain products such as bread, cereal, and pasta; and corn masa products such as tortilla chips and tacos.

Besides taking a daily multivitamin containing folic acid to prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine, women can take other steps to avoid infections that can hurt them and their babies during pregnancy. Foodborne illnesses, viruses, and parasites can cause birth defects and lifelong disabilities, such as hearing loss or learning problems. Other resolutions from the March of Dimes for moms-to-be:

Be up-to-date with your vaccinations (shots). Talk to your healthcare provider about vaccinations you should receive before or during pregnancy, including your flu shot and Tdap booster.
Don’t eat raw or undercooked meat, raw or runny eggs, unpasteurized (raw) juice or dairy products, raw sprouts — or products made with them.
Handle foods safely. Be sure to wash all knives, utensils, cutting boards, and dishes used to prepare raw meat, fish or poultry before they come into contact with other foods.
Maintain good hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before preparing or eating foods; after being around or touching pets and other animals; and after changing diapers or wiping runny noses.
Do not put a young child’s food, utensils, drinking cups, or pacifiers in your mouth.
Protect yourself from animals and insects known to carry diseases such as Zika virus, including mosquitos. This includes avoiding travel to areas where the virus is circulating. Find out more at ZAPzika.org.
Stay away from wild or pet rodents, live poultry, lizards and turtles during pregnancy.
Let someone else clean the cat litter boxes!

Birth defects affect 1 in every 33 babies born in the United States each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. January is Birth Defects Prevention Month, and the week of January 8 through 14 is set aside for Folic Acid Awareness Week. Join the conversation and learn more on Twitter at hashtag #prevent2protect.

“The coming year will be full of surprises. So whether you’re pregnant or just want to have children in the future, resolve to help give them a healthy start in life,” says Dr. Dolan.

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 information, visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org. Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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(Español) World Logistics Cargo cierra el segundo semestre del año con un crecimiento del 30% en transporte de carga y la revista Fortuna la selecciona para hablar sobre el desarrollo del comercio exterior en Latinoamérica

December 30, 2016

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Goya Gives An On-Going Donation Of 125,000 Pounds Of Food And $10,000 To Catholic Charities Of The Archdiocese Of Newark

December 30, 2016

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JERSEY CITY, New Jersey, Dec. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Goya Foods, the largest Hispanic owned food company in the United States, headquartered in New Jersey, will give an on-going donation of 125,000 pounds of Goya products and $10,000 to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark, one of New Jersey’s oldest and largest social service agencies that helps nearly 70,000 individuals and families each year.

GOYA GIVES AN ON-GOING DONATION OF 125,000 POUNDS OF FOOD AND $10,000 TO CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NEWARK

Goya will provide the first installment of 15,000 pounds of food for the holiday season, followed by 10,000 pounds each month throughout the year. “As an institution in the community, we strive to be a company of compassion and to do our part in helping others who need it the most, especially during the holiday season,” said Rafael Toro, Director of Public Relations of Goya Foods. “We will always support the work of organizations like Catholic Charities, who are directly helping to improve the overall wellness of our communities.” The donation of $10,000 will go to the Hope House Homeless Shelter, located at 246 2^nd Street, in Jersey City, New Jersey and St. Rocco’s Emergency Family Shelter, located at 368 South 7^th Street, Newark, New Jersey. “Catholic Charities is very grateful for Goya’s generous donation. The much needed food will be given to the many people who come through our food program during the Christmas season. The $10,000 donation will be used to purchase presents for the families that live in our family shelters,” said John Westervelt, Chief Operating Officer of Catholic Charities. The shelters provide housing, meals and supportive services such as counseling, educational workshops, job assistance, housing placement and resources to homeless families including 36 single mothers and 58 children.

The donation is part of the Goya Gives campaign, a series of annual donations that serves to encourage others to participate in the message and act of helping those in need. Over the years, Goya has donated millions of pounds of food to organizations worldwide and continues to support over 250 organizations and cultural institutions. The public can also share the #GoyaGives message with friends and family through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For more information about Goya Foods, please visit www.goya.com.

For more information about Catholic Charities or naming opportunities, please contact Catholic Charities at (973) 596-4100, or visit our website at www.ccannj.org for more information.

About GOYA: Founded in 1936, Goya Foods, Inc. is America’s largest Hispanic-owned food company, and has established itself as the leader in Latin American food and condiments. Goya manufactures, packages, and distributes over 2,500 high-quality food products from Spain, Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America. Goya products have their roots in the culinary traditions of Hispanic communities around the world; the combination of authentic ingredients, robust seasonings and convenient preparation makes Goya products ideal for every taste and every table. For more information on Goya Foods, please visit www.goya.com

About Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark: Tracing its roots to 1903, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark is a not-for-profit social service agency of the Roman Catholic Church within the Archdiocese of Newark. As one of New Jersey’s oldest and largest agencies, Catholic Charities serves approximately 70,000 individuals and families each year in over 87 programs. Its mission is to improve the quality of people’s lives and enhance their self-worth and dignity by providing superior social service, behavioral health, and education programs, and by advocating for justice in all human relationships. This mission is pursued through a network of caring, effective, and well-managed social service professionals within the four counties served by the Archdiocese: Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union. The organization focuses on strengthening and preserving family life while restoring the dignity of each individual. The programs provide shelters for the homeless, food to the impoverished; care for the elderly and mentally ill, and education to children with developmental disabilities. Catholic Charities is a Ministry of the Church, a concrete illustration of the Church’s commitment to ease suffering and bring social justice and hope to all, without regard to religion, race or culture. Photo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/452554/Goya_Foods_Catholic_Charities_Donation.jpg

Media Contact:
Natalie Maniscalco
845.659.6506
[email protected]

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DIR Releases 2016 Legislative Digest with Overview of New Laws

December 29, 2016

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OAKLAND, California, Dec. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) today released its 2016 Legislative Digest which summarizes new laws that impact workers and employers. Most of the chaptered bills are slated to take effect on January 1, 2017. Highlights of the chaptered bills include:

Improved California Wage and Hour Laws

SB 3 increases the state minimum wage annually starting on January 1, 2017 until it reaches $15 per hour on January 1, 2022. Employers with 25 or fewer employees have an extra year to comply with these requirements. It also provides that, starting July 1, 2018, In-Home Supportive Services workers are entitled to paid sick days.
AB 1066 ensures California farmworkers earn overtime pay according to the same standard as other workers, after eight hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. It creates a schedule to phase in these overtime requirements over a four-year period—from 2019 to 2022 for employers with 26 or more employees and from 2022 to 2025 for employers of 25 or fewer employees.
SB 1015 indefinitely extends the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights specifying that domestic workers earn overtime pay when they work more than nine hours in one workday day or more than 45 hours in any workweek.

Improved Access to Medical Care and Fraud Prevention

AB 1244 and SB 1160 build upon California’s workers’ compensation reforms by addressing two critical issues—reducing treatment delays for injured workers and rooting out provider fraud and illegitimate liens. AB 1244 requires the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) to suspend any medical provider, physician or practitioner convicted of fraud from participating in the workers’ compensation system. SB 1160 expedites treatment to injured workers in the acute stage of a claim. It also mandates electronic reporting of utilization review data by claims administrators and implements measures intended to increase transparency and combat fraud in the system.

Improved Worker Health and Safety

AB 1978 protects janitorial workers by requiring registration of employers, starting July 1, 2018, and mandating the Labor Commissioner to establish a biennial in-person sexual violence and harassment prevention training requirement.
SB 1167 mandates Cal/OSHA propose a new standard that minimizes heat-related illness and injury among workers working in indoor places by January 1, 2019.

Budget Implementation

SB 836 (1) reforms the Labor Code Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) to allow greater state government and court oversight of PAGA claims and litigation; (2) clarifies public works requirements for ready-mix cement delivery; (3) aligns statutes that authorize the Divisions of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) and Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) to charge fees for various regulatory activities to make the programs self-sustaining through user fees and reduce the number of funds into which those fees are deposited; (4) eliminates a duplicate inspection requirement in the Permanent Amusement Ride Safety Inspection Program; and (5) authorizes sharing confidential information among state education and job training agencies for evaluating and reporting on program performance and outcomes for program participants.

The Department of Industrial Relations 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 administers and enforces laws governing wages, hours and breaks, overtime, retaliation, workplace safety and health, apprenticeship training programs, and medical care and other benefits for injured workers. DIR also publishes materials and holds workshops and seminars to promote healthy employment relations, conducts research to improve its programs, and coordinates with other agencies to target egregious violators of labor laws and tax laws in the underground economy.

DIR’s divisions include the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, also known as the Labor Commissioner’s Office, the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, commonly known as Cal/OSHA, the Division of Workers’ Compensation and the Division of Apprenticeship Standards.

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.

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

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

Labor Commissioner Agreement Holds Santa Rosa Taxi Company Accountable for Failure to Carry Workers’ Compensation Insurance and Worker Misclassification

December 29, 2016

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SANTA ROSA, Calif., Dec. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — California Labor Commissioner Julie A. Su announced that Santa Rosa taxi company A-C Transportation Services, Inc., has agreed to settle its $522,300 citation for refusing to provide its 30 drivers with workers’ compensation insurance coverage and for misclassifying them as independent contractors.

Owners Kevin and Jennifer Kroh, also doing business as Healdsburg Cab Company, agreed to pay a fine of $200,000 in installments, with final payment in June 2021. If they default on the payments the agreement is void and the full $522,300 judgement will be due. The company also agreed to cease all operations as of December 31, 2016.

The agreement comes after the taxi company was issued a Stop Order judgment in October by a Sonoma County Superior Court judge for continuing to refuse to provide workers compensation insurance as required by law.

“Hard working business owners across California get up every day and play by the rules, even when it isn’t always easy. This case sends a powerful message to businesses that break those rules by misclassifying their employees,” said Labor Commissioner Julie A. Su. “My office will not tolerate the misclassification of employees as a business model because it undercuts both workers’ rights and businesses who treat their employees fairly.”

The California Labor Commissioner’s Office launched its investigation into A-C Transportation Services in March of 2014 and found that it had failed to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage as required by law from 2011 through 2014 and was misclassifying drivers as independent contractors. A citation for $522,300 was issued and appealed by A-C Transportation claiming their drivers were independent contractors who leased taxi cabs from the businesses.

In January 2015, the Labor Commissioner affirmed the citation and determined that the taxicab drivers were employees and not independent contractors. A-C Transportation Services then filed a petition to review the administrative decision in Sonoma County Superior Court. On September 16, the Court found that there was substantial evidence to support the Labor Commissioner’s determination and denied the petition. When A-C Transportation continued to operate and refused to secure workers’ compensation insurance, the Labor Commissioner requested the court to intervene and issue a Stop Order. On October 19, a Sonoma County Superior Court Judge issued a Stop Order judgment. On December 7, both parties reached an agreement to resolve the case.

Among its wide-ranging enforcement responsibilities, the Labor Commissioner’s Office inspects workplaces for wage and hour violations, adjudicates wage claims, investigates retaliation complaints, and educates the public on labor laws. Its Wage Theft is a Crime multilingual public awareness campaign helps inform workers of their rights and employers of their responsibilities. The Labor Commissioner’s Office, officially known as the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, is a division of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR).

Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734). The California Workers’ Information line at 866-924-9757 provides recorded information in English and Spanish on a variety of work-related topics.

Members of the press may contact Paola Laverde 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.

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

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

Labor Commissioner’s Restaurant Wage Theft Case Results in Landmark Criminal Conviction

December 29, 2016

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SAN DIEGO, Dec. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — California Labor Commissioner Julie A. Su announced that a San Diego restaurant wage theft investigation resulted in the owner’s conviction and sentencing to two years’ jail time for grand theft and labor violations. San Diego County Superior Court further requires the owner to repay $20,000 in stolen wages and tips to six of the restaurant workers.

Evidence presented revealed that Zihan Zhang, owner of Antique Thai Cuisine in San Diego, targeted immigrant workers who were promised wages but then often paid only in tips. Some of the kitchen staff was paid as little as $4 an hour and forced to work during breaks and meal periods. The owner further collected a portion of the tips from the unpaid workers, and charged them $5 a shift for “glass breakage” to offset her operating costs.

“Our investigation uncovered egregious wage theft and worker abuse – our collaboration with the San Diego District Attorney has resulted in the first criminal conviction of its kind in our state,” said Labor Commissioner Julie A. Su. “California will continue to hold the line in ensuring that workers’ rights are protected.”

The Labor Commissioner’s Office referred the case in August 2014, and worked with the San Diego District Attorney’s Office to bring the case to trial. It is the first criminal jury trial conviction in California for felony grand wage theft by false pretenses.

Zhang was convicted of two felony counts of grand theft of labor for failing to pay workers as promised, one felony count of grand theft of tips and six misdemeanor charges, including two for refusing to pay wages when she had the ability to do so and four counts for failing to provide itemized wage statements.

“With the Labor Commissioner’s assistance, we delivered justice for workers who were repeatedly abused by a dishonest employer,” said San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis. “Prosecuting these types of cases helps ensure a level playing field for honest employers to fairly compete in the marketplace.”

The trial included testimony from one worker who worked 12 days in a row, including double shifts, and was not paid her hourly wage. Video footage showed the worker asking Zhang about payments she was owed when Zhang fired her. Zhang also charged another server for customers’ meals when they left before the food was served.

The wage theft came to light in 2014 after some of the workers filed wage claims with the Labor Commissioner’s Office. The Labor Commissioner’s Office cited Antique Thai $36,617 in July of 2014, including assessments of $14,567 for rest and meal period premiums, wages, overtime and liquidated damages, and civil penalties of $22,050 for failure to provide itemized wage statements as well as overtime, minimum wage, rest and meal period requirements.

Among its wide-ranging enforcement responsibilities, the Labor Commissioner’s Office inspects workplaces for wage and hour violations, adjudicates wage claims, investigates retaliation complaints, and educates the public on labor laws. Its Wage Theft is a Crime multilingual public awareness campaign helps inform workers of their rights and employers of their responsibilities. The Labor Commissioner’s Office, officially known as the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, is a division of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR).

Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734). The California Workers’ Information line at 866-924-9757 provides recorded information in English and Spanish on a variety of work-related topics.

Members of the press may contact Paola Laverde 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.

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

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

Statement by Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC)/CONEL Regarding His Participation at Donald Trump’s Inaugural Swearing-in Ceremony

December 29, 2016

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SACRAMENTO, California, Dec. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), the world’s largest Hispanic Christian organization, representing millions of Evangelicals worldwide, made the following statement regarding the announcement today by the Presidential Inaugural Committee:

“It is with deep gratitude that I express my thanks to President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Pence for affording me the privilege of participating in their swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 20. There is truly no greater honor than to serve one’s country in such a special way on such a momentous occasion.

“I have enjoyed getting to know President-elect Trump and his team over many months.

“As a pastor, I know that faith holds our nation together and I count participating in the Inauguration of our nation’s 45th president as not just a patriotic honor, but as a sacred duty, for we will stand not only before men, but before God Almighty Himself to seek His blessing and guidance. Let us begin now to pray for our new president and his administration, and imagine together a bright future for our exceptional nation.”

NHCLC/CONEL is the world’s largest Hispanic Christian organization, which serves as a representative voice for the more than 100 million Hispanic Evangelicals assembled in over 40,000 U.S. churches and hundreds of thousands of additional congregations spread worldwide throughout the Spanish-speaking diaspora. For additional information, visit http://www.nhclc.org.

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(Español) Pablo Soria de Lachica – 100 Millones de Puestos de Trabajo Se Destruirán Durante La Presidencia de Trump

December 28, 2016

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Honda’s “Hope Blooms Forever” Float to Lead 2017 Rose Parade® with Message of Hope and Resilience

December 28, 2016

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TORRANCE, California, Dec. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Honda will lead the 128^th Rose Parade presented by Honda on Monday, January 2 with its float entry, “Hope Blooms Forever.” The float celebrates the friendship shared by the United States and Japan through the TOMODACHI Initiative, and pays tribute to the resilience of the people of Fukushima, Japan.

The float will feature 20 high school students from Japan’s Fukushima prefecture, an area devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent tsunami, as part of the TOMODACHI – Honda Cultural Exchange Program. TOMODACHI, which is Japanese for “friend,” was established by the governments of the United States and Japan following the 2011 disaster to create new bonds of friendship between Japanese and American youth through educational and cultural exchange activities.

“We were inspired by the 2017 ‘Echoes of Success’ parade theme and thought it was fitting to invite the TOMODACHI students to ride the Honda float,” said Steve Morikawa, Vice President of Corporate Relations & Social Responsibility, American Honda. “The students symbolize the renewal of the damaged areas of Japan and exemplify the power of dreams in overcoming tragedy.”

The students contributed to the many regional design flourishes seen on the float, each showcasing the natural beauty of Fukushima, including:

A replica of “Miharu Takizakura,” one of the most famous cherry blossom trees in all of Japan, located in Fukushima.
Two “Kikuningyo,” or chrysanthemum dolls, representing the life-size figures from feudal Japan that are created each fall for the annual Nihonmatsu Chrysanthemum Festival.
A floral display of “Hanami-yama,” a flower-filled mountain that Fukushima farmers have developed over the years.

The float design also includes an origami crane, emblematic of healing, and the mythical phoenix, a symbol of renewal. The two converge in the center with a large origami rose that opens in a kaleidoscope effect as doves are released from the center of the float. The float is further brought to life by four rotating, synchronized origami roses, and brilliant butterflies.

The vibrant float is 75 feet long and 24 feet high, punctuated by color and movement. In keeping with Honda’s commitment to the environment, it will be powered by a specially configured low-emission, hybrid powertrain. In addition to the float, the Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle will serve as the parade’s official pace car while the Ridgeline will be the official sound vehicle. The parade’s theme banner float will also be powered by Honda.

Honda and the Tournament of Roses
2017 marks the 56th year Honda has collaborated with the Tournament of Roses and its seventh year as presenting sponsor. Honda first collaborated with the Tournament of Roses in 1961 to provide two-wheeled vehicles for 1962 Parade operations. Honda has been a float participant in the Rose Parade since 1977, and has provided the official Tournament of Roses vehicle since 1994. Honda continues to supply two-wheeled vehicles and also provides side-by-side (multi-utility) vehicles for Parade operations.

As presenting sponsor, the Honda float is the first in the Rose Parade and showcases the theme. As a result, it will not be considered a commercial entry and will not compete during the judging process. Prior to becoming presenting sponsor in 2011, Honda floats won awards in 15 of the previous 16 years.

About American Honda
American Honda was established in Los Angeles, California, in 1959. Today, Honda companies in North America represent a cumulative investment of more than $22 billion and employ more than 40,000 associates in the design, development, manufacture, marketing, financing and servicing of Honda and Acura automobiles, Honda powersports products and Honda power equipment products.

Honda has been producing products in America for more than 33 years and currently operates 19 major manufacturing facilities in North America. Honda also operates 16 major research and development centers in the U.S. with the capacity to fully design, develop and engineer many of the products Honda produces in North America. In 2015, more than 99 percent of all Honda and Acura automobiles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

About the Pasadena Tournament of Roses
The Tournament of Roses is a volunteer organization that annually hosts America’s New Year Celebration^® with the Rose Parade^®presented by Honda, the Rose Bowl Game^® presented by Northwestern Mutual and a variety of accompanying events. 935 volunteer members of the association will drive the success of 128th Rose Parade themed “Echoes of Success,” on Monday, January 2, 2017, followed by the 103rd Rose Bowl Game. For more information, visit www.tournamentofroses.com. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube and visit our blog at blog.tournamentofroses.com.

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