All-New 2017 Honda Ridgeline Launches Nationwide, Delivering New Levels of Versatility, Capability and Comfort in a Mid-Size Pickup

June 21, 2016

All-New 2017 Honda Ridgeline Launches Nationwide Tomorrow, Delivering New Levels of Versatility, Capability and Comfort in a Mid-Size Pickup.

TORRANCE, California, June 20, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The completely redesigned 2017 Honda Ridgeline powers into the U.S. mid-size pickup market tomorrow with a long list of new features and improvements to deliver an unprecedented combination of cargo- and people-hauling capability and sophistication in the midsize pickup class. Boasting unsurpassed dynamic refinement and extensive comfort and convenience features, along with the most spacious and versatile interior and highest available payload capacity in its class, the 2017 Honda Ridgeline arrives in dealers tomorrow with manufacturer suggested retail prices starting at $29,475 for the RT 2WD and $31,275 for RT AWD.

“We’ve advanced the best and most beloved elements of the original Ridgeline and combined them with an outstanding new platform and the most advanced technology to create new value in the midsize pickup segment,” said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division. “The result is an amazingly versatile Honda truck with uncompromised capability.”

The 2017 Honda Ridgeline is the second generation of Honda’s innovative midsize pickup truck, redesigned from the ground up to offer both recreational and work users a higher degree of utility and versatility in a modern and rugged, yet sophisticated midsize pickup with the largest and most flexible cabin in its class. In addition, Ridgeline boasts a higher level of confident and refined dynamic performance and robust cargo-hauling and towing capabilities, including a class-leading maximum 1,584-pound (718.5 kg) payload capacity (varies by trim) and up to 5,000-pound (2,268 kg) towing.

Utilizing a highly rigid, aerodynamic and tightly sealed unitized body construction, which delivers up to three times the torsional rigidity of competing body-on-frame trucks, Ridgeline also features Honda’s next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and fully independent front and rear suspension systems with Amplitude Reactive Dampers. The 2017 Honda Ridgeline offers vastly superior ride comfort and handling precision along with the top-in-class cabin quietness and, with available Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistive technology, is anticipated to earn class-leading collision safety ratings.

Ridgeline also offers class-leading EPA fuel economy ratings along with superior all-weather traction and handling capability and robust off-road performance, leveraging the new body structure with a more powerful and efficient direct-injected 3.5-liter i-VTEC™ V-6 engine, a wide-ratio 6-speed automatic transmission and available new Intelligent Variable Torque Management™ (iVTM-4™) torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, the most advanced and intuitive AWD technology in the midsize truck class.

The 2017 Ridgeline provides customers more choices than ever before including, for the first time, both two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options, as well as an expanded array of standard and available premium features and technologies, including a new 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ compatibility and new generation of Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™. A wide array of new standard and available equipment includes Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control, Push-Button Start, Remote Engine Start, Smart Entry, a power sliding rear window, LED exterior and interior lighting and more.

The second-generation Ridgeline was designed, developed and is manufactured in America using domestic and globally-sourced parts. The Ridgeline’s exterior and interior designs were created by Honda R&D Americas in its Los Angeles design studio, while vehicle development was undertaken at the company’s Raymond, Ohio development center. Honda Manufacturing of Alabama in Lincoln, Ala., is the exclusive manufacturing home of the 2017 Honda Ridgeline.

Premium Style and Features
The all-new 2017 Ridgeline sports a sleek, sophisticated and rugged exterior design, incorporating new premium features including standard LED taillights and available features such as LED projector headlights and LED daytime running lights. The premium quality of the new Ridgeline carries over to the interior, where designers have applied high quality, soft-touch materials throughout the cabin and added thoughtful details such as LED map lighting (see the Interior section for more information on interior styling). Additional high-end amenities include a standard 4.2-inch color display, available heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. All models also come standard with a Class III towing hitch and AWD modes add a 7-pin wiring connector.

The Ridgeline’s 60/40-split and folding rear seat offers roomy seating for up to three passengers and, with the seat bottoms folded up, has the capacity to carry bulky items like a 55-inch flat screen television or a mountain bike with the wheels intact. Exclusive in its class, the Ridgeline’s large under-seat storage area can carry long items, such as golf clubs, with the rear seats folded down.

Innovative and Versatile Pickup Bed
The 2017 Ridgeline’s new UV-stabilized, ultra-high strength glass fiber-reinforced SMC composite bed is longer (+3.9 inches, or 100 mm) and wider (+5.5 inches, or 140 mm) than in the previous model and is the only bed in the midsize class that can flat haul 4-foot-wide items, such as drywall or plywood panels on the floor between the wheel wells. The new Ridgeline bed also boasts numerous Honda-exclusive features and capabilities, including a highly versatile Dual-Action Tailgate, a redesigned In-Bed Trunk with fully flat floor and an available world’s first Truck Bed Audio System, making this new Ridgeline the ultimate tailgating vehicle. An available 115V AC in-bed power outlet with up to 400-watt charging (with engine running) and eight standard 350-pound (159 kg) tie-down cleats complete the Ridgeline’s capable and versatile bed design. The dent and scratch resistant bed construction is designed for rugged daily use and does not require the protection of a bed liner like conventional steel or aluminum beds.

Advanced Powertrain and All-Wheel-Drive Technology
The 2017 Honda Ridgeline is powered by a new 3.5-liter direct-injected SOHC i-VTEC™ V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™) mated to a wide ratio 6-speed automatic transmission. Peak engine output of 280 horsepower (+30HP over the previous model) and 262 lb.-ft. of torque (+15 lb.-ft.), along with a 78-pound average reduction in curb weight and a more aerodynamically efficient exterior design, combine to deliver the quickest 0-60 mph acceleration and receive the highest EPA fuel-economy ratings in the midsize pickup truck class.

For the first time, the 2017 Ridgeline is available with the choice of two-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive drivetrain. All-wheel-drive models utilize Honda’s newest and most advanced AWD technology – Intelligent Variable Torque Management™ (i-VTM4). This entirely more capable system offers reduced weight, improved all-weather traction and enhanced dynamic handling capability. Honda i-VTM4 progressively distributes optimum torque between the front and rear axles and dynamically distributes engine torque between the left and right rear wheels, with the capacity to overdrive the outside rear wheel by 2.7 percent to create a yaw moment that improves cornering precision.

Intelligent Traction Management
This new Ridgeline features a button-operated Intelligent Traction Management System that offers different operating modes: Normal, Snow, Mud and Sand for AWD models, Normal and Snow for 2WD versions. Developed, tuned and tested in challenging environments in the U.S. and around the world – including in Imperial Dunes “Glamis,” California; Moscow, Russia; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates – the Intelligent Traction Management system allows the driver to select the operating mode that best suits the driving conditions by simply pushing a button on the vehicle’s center console. Based on the setting selected, the system adjusts the drive-by-wire throttle map, transmission shift map, Vehicle Stability Assist™ engagement and i-VTM4 torque distribution (for AWD-equipped models) for optimal performance in a variety of surface conditions.

Advanced Technology
The new Ridgeline delivers the most advanced technology and connectivity that Honda has to offer, including an available 8-inch capacitive touchscreen Display Audio connectivity interface with both Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility for seamless integration of compatible smartphone features and functions, including smartphone-powered navigation capabilities.

The 2017 Ridgeline can also be equipped with a newly designed Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ featuring improved graphics and new capabilities, including 3D renderings of terrain, buildings and road signs, improved lane guidance, live search function and more. Additional standard and available technologies include HD Radio, SiriusXM 2.0 and up to four USB ports including two with 2.5-amp charging capability.

Advanced Safety Performance
Utilizing Honda’s second-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and “3-bone” front floor construction, along with advanced supplemental restraint systems and available Honda Sensing™ safety and driver-assistive technologies, the 2017 Ridgeline targets the highest available crash safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including an a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score in the NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ score from the IIHS, including a GOOD rating in the Institute’s rigorous small overlap frontal collision test.

Honda Sensing is the most comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver assistive features available in the midsize pickup truck segment and includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). The 2017 Ridgeline, depending on trim, can also be equipped with Honda LaneWatch™, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor and a blind spot information system; and all Ridgelines come equipped with a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera.

Standard safety features include four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist; Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control; Trailer Stability Assist; Agile Handling Assist; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, driver and front passenger side airbags and side-curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions; and a new Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with real-time display of individual tire pressures.

Accessories
To further enhance the utility and provide personalization opportunities for the 2017 Ridgeline, Honda developed a broad range of Honda Genuine Accessories simultaneously with the truck. Examples include:

In-Bed Trunk Carpet and Dividers
Back-Up Sensors
Bed Extender – Standard and Motorcycle
Fender Flares
Hard Tonneau Cover
Skid Plate
Sport Grille
Bike, Kayak, Ski, Snowboard and Surfboard Attachments
Tent (extends from bed)
Additional Wheel Options
Automatic-Dimming Mirror
Heated Steering Wheel
Rear Under-Seat Storage System

Like all Genuine Honda Accessories, they are covered by the Honda’s 3-year, 36,000-mile limited warranty when obtained and installed at the time of original vehicle purchase.

Summary of Major New Features

3.5-liter direct-injected i-VTEC V-6 with Variable Cylinder Management
6-speed automatic transmission
Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) (AWD models)
Intelligent Traction Management System
Amplitude Reactive Dampers
Truck Bed Audio System (available)
115V/400W in-bed power outlet (available)
LED Daytime Running Lights (available)
LED projector headlights with Auto high-beam (available)
Acoustic windshield (available)
Power sliding rear window with defroster (available)
Smart Entry (available)
Push-Button Start
Remote Engine Start (available)
Multi-Angle Rearview Camera
Honda Sensing™ (available)
Honda LaneWatch (available)
Blind Spot Information System (available)
Rear Cross Traffic Monitor (available)
8-inch touchscreen Display Audio System with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ compatibility (available)
HD Radio™ (available)
SiriusXM 2.0 (available)

General Specifications

	Specification
Wheelbase – in. (mm)	125.2 (3,180)
Length – in. (mm)	210 (5,335)
Height: 2WD – in. (mm) AWD – in. (mm)	70.2 (1,783) 70.8 (1,798)
Width – in. (mm)	78.6 (1,997)
Bed length – in. (mm)	64.0 (1,626)
Bed width	60 inches (1,524 mm) between side linings 50 inches (1,270 mm) between wheel wells 51 inches (1,295 mm) at the D-pillars
Curb weight: Base 2WD – lbs. (kg) Base AWD – lbs. (kg)	4,242 (1,924) 4,431 (2,010)
Max Payload – lbs. (kg) (varies by trim level)	1,584 (718.5)
Engine Type	V-6
Displacement (cc)	3,471
Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net)	280 @ 6,000
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm SAE net)	262 @ 4,700
Transmission	6-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain configuration	2WD base, AWD available
Wheels	18″ alloy, 5-spoke (18″ alloy, 6-spoke available on RTL and above trims)
Tires	245/60 R18 105H light truck all-season
Suspension	Front: Independent Macpherson Strut Rear: Multi-link
Brakes	4-wheel vented disc with EBD
Towing capability – lbs. (kg)	AWD: 5,000 (2,268) 2WD: 3,500 (1,588)
EPA Fuel Economy Ratings	19 / 26 / 22 mpg (2WD) 18 / 25 / 21 mpg (AWD)
Fuel capacity	19.5-gallon (73.8 liters)

For more information about the 2017 Ridgeline plus high-resolution images and video, go to: http://hondanews.com/channels/ridgeline

About Honda
Honda offers a full line of reliable, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive vehicles with advanced safety technologies sold through approximately 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The Honda lineup includes the Fit, Civic and Accord passenger cars, along with the HR-V, CR-V and Pilot sport/utility vehicles, Ridgeline pickup and the Odyssey minivan.

Honda has been producing automobiles in America for 33 years and currently operates 19 major manufacturing facilities in North America. In 2015, more than 99 percent of all Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160620/381017

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In Puerto Rico Travel Expert Peter Greenberg Urges Common Sense Precautions To Overcome Fears Of Zika

June 21, 2016

Travel Expert Peter Greenberg on fear and travel: "Fear," he said, is "the worst four-letter word that starts with 'f' as it applies to travelling." Photo Credit: Puerto Rico Tourism Company

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, June 21, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Broadcasting live from Puerto Rico, popular travel news journalist Peter Greenberg encouraged visitors to set their fear of Zika aside when making travel plans. Greenberg is just one of many travel experts who say that as long as travelers (and locals) follow the preventive tips outlined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they can have a safe and worry-free trip.

“The weather is great, people are outside parasailing and having fun [in Puerto Rico]…As long as you pack common sense and some intelligence, and your own preventive medicine in consultation with your physician, there are very few places you shouldn’t go,” Greenberg noted during his radio show. Greenberg was blunt, letting visitors know there was absolutely nothing to be afraid of: “Fear,” he said, is “the worst four-letter word that starts with ‘f’ as it applies to travelling.”

Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) Executive Director Ingrid I. Rivera Rocafort echoes those sentiments, “Education is the key to relishing new adventures without the fear of risk, real or perceived. Accurate information is fear’s best antidote. Educated travelers, following CDC guidelines will enjoy a worry-free experience in Puerto Rico.”

Beyond encouraging travelers to follow the CDC guidelines, PRTC and the travel industry—in close collaboration with the CDC and the local department of public health—have engaged in an education campaign focused on preparation, prevention and precaution to protect residents and visitors. Puerto Rico is helping prevent the spread of the Zika virus through a comprehensive program that includes: spraying public areas with mosquito repellent, eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, establishing a 3-1-1 telephone hotline and Twitter account to enable reporting of high-risk areas and providing Zika safety tips to residents and visitors.

For more information about Zika in Puerto Rico, visit: http://puertoriconow.seepuertorico.com.

Additionally, the Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association (PRHTA) is encouraging hotels to make EPA-approved insect repellent available to guests upon check-in and throughout common areas, as well as providing welcome kits to members that contain the latest CDC guidelines and information regarding Zika safety including an infographic detailing how to correctly apply bug spray.

Pregnant women are advised against travel to areas with the Zika virus. All travelers are encouraged to keep informed and check updated information on the CDC website.

About Puerto Rico Tourism Company
The Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), founded in 1970, is a public corporation responsible for stimulating, promoting and regulating the development of the tourism industry. It markets Puerto Rico as a tourism destination through advertising, public relations and promotional activities; promotes tourism among visitors and local residents; provides visitor orientation and technical assistance to investors; evaluates tourism facilities and establishes standards of quality; and regulates and oversees gaming operations. PRTC has offices and representatives in the U.S. mainland, Canada, Europe and Latin America.

About Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association
The Puerto Rico Hotel and Tourism Association is the organization that represents the private tourism sector in Puerto Rico. Founded in 1950, the Association has over 500 corporate members, among them large, medium, and small hotels; restaurants; Airlines; and other businesses that serve the Puerto Rico tourism industry.

Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association (PRNewsFoto/Puerto Rico Tourism Company,Pue)

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160620/381507
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Ivan Rodriguez, Puerto Rican Baseball Star, to Raise Awareness of Threat of Zika Virus in Puerto Rico in Partnership with The National Coalition of STD Directors and the Maker of Trojan™ Brand Condoms

June 21, 2016

EWING, N.J., June 21, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Church & Dwight Co. Inc., the maker of Trojan™ Brand Condoms, and the National Coalition of STD Directors announced today a partnership with Major League Baseball player, Ivan Rodriguez to raise awareness around how to prevent the spread of the Zika virus in Puerto Rico. Rodriguez, a native Puerto Rican, will voice a radio commercial in Spanish set to air across Puerto Rico, highlighting the importance of condom use in combatting the spread of Zika.

Audio – http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/ENR/ZikaVirusSpanishAVO1.mp3

The commercial, part of the brand’s ongoing effort to combat the Zika outbreak, clarifies Zika, while primarily spread by mosquitos, can also be sexually transmitted by an infected man to his partner. In the radio spot, Rodriguez reinforces the importance of wearing a condom to avoid the consequences of Zika for pregnant women and those who may become pregnant while infected. Infection with Zika during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. The commercial will air across 118 radio stations throughout Puerto Rico this summer.

“Zika is an incredibly harmful disease and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), could infect as many as 1 in 4 Puerto Ricans by the end of this year. We are proud to partner with Ivan Rodriguez as we continue our ongoing efforts to call attention to the fact that unlike many other mosquito-borne diseases, Zika can be transmitted through sexual contact,” said Bruce Weiss, Vice President of Marketing for Trojan™ Brand Condoms. “We are committed to investing in sexual health and raising awareness around the importance of using a condom each and every time during sex. To protect against Zika virus, this is especially important for couples who are pregnant or may become pregnant. A man may transmit Zika to his pregnant partner, even if he does not have symptoms at the time or if his symptoms have gone away. Condoms can protect a pregnant woman from getting Zika from sex.”

“While I played Major League Baseball in the U.S. for more than 20 years, Puerto Rico will always be my home. I was shocked to hear the alarming rate at which the Zika virus is spreading across the territory,” said Ivan Rodriguez. “I am honored to partner with Trojan™ to help raise awareness around the importance of protection for those that live a sexually active life. The consequences of contracting Zika can be devastating for pregnant women, and I want to encourage Puerto Ricans to understand that aside from abstinence, there is no better way to protect against giving or getting Zika from sex, than using a condom.”

In May, the maker of Trojan™ Brand Condoms donated more than 150,000 condoms to aid the CDC Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) efforts to help prevent the spread of Zika virus to women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, because Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. Trojan™ Brand Condoms will be included in Zika Prevention Kits being distributed in areas of high risk including the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa as well as the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Zika virus is generally spread by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquito, but it can also be passed during sex by a man who has Zika to his partner¹. Based on recent evidence, sexual transmission of the virus may be more common than previously thought². Men and women who live in or travel to an area with Zika and who are concerned about trying to get pregnant, should talk to their healthcare provider. CDC recommends pregnant couples with male partners who live in or travel to areas with Zika, take steps to protect their pregnancy. These couples should use a condom every time they have sex or not have sex during the pregnancy. To be effective, condoms must be used correctly from start to finish, every time during vaginal, anal, and oral (mouth-to-penis) sex³.

In addition to helping combat the spread of Zika virus, the maker of Trojan™ Brand Condoms is committed to investing in public health efforts to support sexual health. Last year, Trojan announced the launch of a 10-year partnership with the National Coalition of STD Directors to donate more than 1,000,000 Trojan brand condoms to health departments across the country every year for 10 years.

More information about the Zika virus and sexual transmission can be found on CDC’s website (http://www.cdc.gov/zika/transmission/sexual-transmission.html).

About TROJAN Brand Condoms

Trojan™ Brand Condoms are America’s #1 condom, trusted for over 100 years. Trojan™ Brand latex condoms are made from premium quality latex to help reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Every condom is electronically tested to help ensure reliability. There are more than 30 varieties of Trojan™ Brand Condoms. More Americans trust the Trojan™ Brand than any other condom. The maker of Trojan™ Brand Condoms is committed to investing in public health efforts to support sexual health. For more information, visit www.TrojanBrands.com.

About the National Coalition of STD Directors

The National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD) is a partnership of public health professionals dedicated to promoting sexual health through the prevention of STDs. NCSD provides dynamic leadership that strengthens STD Programs by advocating for effective policies, strategies, and sufficient resources by increasing awareness of the medical and social impacts of STDs. For more information, visit www.NCSDDC.org.

Contact
Sophia Feleke
212-738-6127
[email protected]

________________________

¹ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016, April 15). Transmission & Risks. Retrieved April 15, 2016, from http://www.cdc.gov/zika/transmission/index.html

² Chan, M., MD. (2016, March 8). WHO Director-General addresses media after Zika Emergency Committee. Retrieved April 15, 2016, from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2016/zika-ec/en/

³ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016, April 14). Prevention. Retrieved April 15, 2016, from http://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/index.html

(Español) Mayborn USA retira del mercado calentadores eléctricos de biberones y alimentos de Tommee Tippee debido a riesgo de incendio

June 21, 2016

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Americans Help Letter Carriers set record with 24th Annual Food Drive Results

June 20, 2016

National Association of Letter Carriers. (PRNewsFoto/National Association of Letter Carriers)

WASHINGTON, June 20, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The annual Letter Carriers’ Food Drive held last month produced record-breaking results, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) announced today.

The 24^th annual Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive, held on May 14, collected more than 80 million pounds of food, well above the previous record of 77 million pounds.

And the food drive now has surpassed 1.5 billion pounds since it began in 1993.

“These results are gratifying, because they mean that even more people will be helped,” NALC President Fredric Rolando said. “As letter carriers, we are honored to be able to assist people in need. On a daily basis we see the struggles in the communities we serve, and we believe it’s important to do all we can to help.

“None of this would be possible without the generosity of residents throughout the country,” Rolando added. He also praised the organizations that help with the effort.

For a spreadsheet containing information on collected food amounts by city or to compile state totals, use this link:

http://www.nalc.org/community-service/food-drive/body/2016-Full-Roll-Up-Report.xls

Hunger affects about 50 million people around the country, including millions of children, senior citizens and veterans.

The nation’s largest single-day food drive, the Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive is held on the second Saturday each May in 10,000 cities and towns in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam.

It provides residents with an easy way to donate food to those in need in the community. Customers simply leave their donation of non-perishable goods next to their mailbox before the delivery of the mail that Saturday. Letter carriers collect the non-perishable food donations on that day as they deliver mail along their postal routes, and distribute them to local food banks, pantries and shelters.

National partners assisting the NALC in this year’s food drive were: U.S. Postal Service, National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, United Way Worldwide, United Food & Commercial Workers International Union, AFL-CIO, Valpak and Valassis.

###

The 280,000-member National Association of Letter Carriers represents letter carriers across the country employed by the U.S. Postal Service, along with retired letter carriers. Founded by Civil War veterans in 1889, the NALC is among the country’s oldest labor unions.

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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs & The Makers Of CIROC Announce CIROC Apple As The Nation’s #1 Vodka Innovation(1)

June 20, 2016

CÎROC Apple is the best-selling new vodka innovation of 2016 per Nielsen.

NEW YORK, June 20, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today Sean “Diddy” Combs and the Makers of CÎROC Ultra Premium reported that CÎROC Apple is the best-selling new vodka innovation of 2016. The announcement follows the release of Nielsen research showing that CÎROC Apple has sold more cases than all other new vodka innovations this year.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160620/381231

Just in time for the official start of the season, CÎROC Apple has also been announced as the newest variant to be added to the CÎROC Summer Collection. The collection already features CÎROC Pineapple, CÎROC Peach and CÎROC Coconut and celebrates the best combination of flavors for the summer.

“I am so proud that CÎROC Apple is #1 this year,” said Sean “Diddy” Combs, Chairman of Combs Enterprises. “We always work hard to be the best – and it feels great to know that our audience loves CÎROC Apple as much as we do. Overall the brand continues to cultivate huge success by breaking boundaries and always pushing the envelope in the spirits industry.”

To further encourage consumers to get into the summer spirit, CÎROC will support the Summer Collection with dedicated in-store POS, digital and social media. Throughout the season CÎROC will also host daytime pop-up events at the hottest pools, rooftops and lounges across the nation. By night the brand turns up the heat and offers its summer cocktail selection to audiences at the hottest clubs and select marquee events.

“The CÎROC Summer Collection offers a variety of fresh and vibrant flavors that capture the essence of the season,” said Andrea Sengara, SVP Combs Wine and Spirits. “The liquids can be enjoyed on the rocks or combined with any mixer to compliment the perfect celebration. Ciroc encourages everyone to make the most of the season and celebrate responsibly.”

The following CÎROC cocktails have been exclusively handpicked to support the CÎROC Summer Collection. These basic and easy-to-locate ingredients, when combined, produce refreshing-tasting cocktails to accompany beautiful summer days and sultry summer nights.

The Apple Mojito
1.5 oz. CÎROC™ Apple
1 oz. Lime Juice
.5 oz. Simple Syrup
8 Mint Leaves
Splash of Club Soda

The Big Apple
1.5oz. CÎROC™ APPLE
3 oz. Ocean Spray® Cranberry Juice Cocktail
Garnish: Lime Wedge

La Piña
1.5oz. CÎROC™ Pineapple
3 oz. Pineapple Juice
Garnish: 3-5 Mint Leaves

Coco Loso™
1.5 oz. CÎROC™ Coconut
3 oz. Pineapple Juice
Garnish: Orange peel

White Peach
1.5 oz. CÎROC™ Peach
3 oz. Ginger Ale
Garnish: Slice of Ginger & Lime Wheel

CÎROC Classic Lemonade
1.5 oz. CÎROC™ Vodka
3 oz. Lemonade

ABOUT CÎROC™ ULTRA PREMIUM VODKA

CÎROC™ Ultra Premium is made from Fine French grapes, which are distilled five times, providing a crisp, clean taste and citrus nose. CÎROC™ Ultra Premium launched nationwide in January 2003. In October 2007, DIAGEO – the world’s largest spirits and beer company – made spirits history by entering into a strategic alliance with entertainment entrepreneur Sean “Diddy” Combs, in which Mr. Combs and Combs Enterprises assumed the lead on all brand management activities for CÎROC™. The infused Vodka flavors in the portfolio to date include CÎROC™ RED BERRY, CÎROC™ COCONUT, CÎROC™ PEACH, CÎROC™ AMARETTO, CÎROC™ PINEAPPLE and CÎROC™ APPLE in addition to CÎROC TEN™ Vodka. The brand received a 2013 Beverage Industry News Award of Excellence, was named 2011 Spirits Brand of the Year by Market Watch, and earned a double gold medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2010.

Source: 1 – Nielsen

Media Contact:
Alisa Jacobs
Diageo
646-223-2229
[email protected]

Ryan Stender
Blue Flame Agency
917-449-2447
[email protected]

Rihanna And Coldplay Headline 2016 “Budweiser Made In America” Festival

June 20, 2016

LOS ANGELES, June 20, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ —

What:
“Budweiser Made In America,” the JAY Z curated two-day music festival and staple of Labor Day Weekend, returns to Philadelphia for a fifth season. The festival’s Rocky, Liberty and Tidal stages will be live streamed in their entirety on TIDAL.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160620/381163

This concert will benefit United Ways in Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey and Berks County, PA. A primary goal of this music festival is to have a positive impact on the communities involved. As a result of this concert, the money invested into these communities will positively impact the education, income and health of the most vulnerable citizens in these regions. As a result of this year’s Budweiser Made in America festival, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey will invest $300,000 into initiatives that enhance cradle-to-career education that ensures all students graduate high school college- or career-ready, and that equip individuals with the job skills and training they need to secure work that provides a family-sustaining income. The festival will also enable United Way of Berks County to invest an additional $100,000 in local programs and initiatives centered on early grade reading proficiency, as well as efforts targeting the focus areas of education, financial stability, health and safety net services. Each year, more than 100,000 Berks Countians receive help through over 50 funded United Way of Berks County programs, initiatives and grants.

Who: Rihanna and Coldplay Headline and are joined by ColleGrove, Jamie xx, Chance The Rapper, Martin Garrix, Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros, Grimes, DJ Khaled, Adventure Club, Madeon, Bryson Tiller, Gary Clark Jr, Travi$ Scott, DJ Mustard, SZA, A$AP Ferg, Tory Lanez, St. Lucia, Tchami, Anna Lunoe, Desiigner, Grits & Biscuits, LIL UZI VERT, Banks & Steelz, PLayboi Carti, Chris Malinchak, Disciples, Sleepy Tom, Lil Yachty, Justine Skye, Dorothy, Kevin Garrett, Flat White, Bibi Bourelly, Fat White Family, Kodak Black, Gallant, SG Lewis, Basement, Touché Amoré, Honduras, Sir The Baptist, Manolo Rose, NVOY, Kacy Hill, Car Seat Headrest, Dave East, Sophie Beem, Kevin Devine, Day Wave, Show Me The Body, Miya Folick, Cherry Glazerr, Watch the Duck, Colter Wall, Aaron West & The Roaring Twenties, From Indian Lakes, Symone, C-Kan, Porches, Denzel Curry, Into It. Over It., Levi Carter

When:
Saturday, September 3, 2016
Sunday, September 4, 2016

Where:
Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, PA

Ticket Purchase:
TIDAL members can purchase tickets beginning Wednesday, June 22nd at 10:00am (EDT) by logging into their accounts.

Tickets for the general public can be purchased on Monday, June 27th at 10:00 am (EDT) www.livenation.com.

ONGOING FESTIVAL INFORMATION:
For the latest on the “Budweiser Made In America” Festival, please be sure to visit: www.madeinamericafest.com

Follow Budweiser Made In America
IG: http://instagram.com/miafest
Twitter: Twitter.com/MIAFestival
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MadeInAmericaFest/

About Budweiser Made In America Festival Philadelphia
Slated for its fifth year in Philadelphia, the “Budweiser Made in America” Festival will once again attract thousands of visitors and festival-goers to the City of Brotherly Love on Labor Day weekend 2016. After the inaugural two-day music festival in 2012, the event generated at least $10 million in economic impact for the city’s economy. Additionally, the “Budweiser Made in America” Festival benefits local United Way organizations with the goal of having a positive impact on the host community. The City of Philadelphia is well-positioned to host the festival once again in 2016: as the two-time recipient of the International Festival & Events Association Award, the city, strategically located on the east coast, boasts world-class transportation and amenities, and local officials have considerable experience producing and accommodating big events like the annual Philadelphia Marathon, Wawa Welcome America Festival for the 4th of July, Philadelphia International Cycling Classic, the World Meeting of Families 2015. Additionally, Philadelphia will serve as the host city for the 2016 Democratic National Convention this July.

About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of four market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Artist Nation Management and Live Nation Media/Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.

About Budweiser
Budweiser, an American-style lager, was introduced in 1876 when company founder Adolphus Busch set out to create the United States’ first truly national beer brand – brewed to be universally popular and transcend regional tastes. Each batch of Budweiser stays true to the same family recipe used by five generations of Busch family brewmasters. Budweiser is a medium-bodied, flavorful, crisp and pure beer with blended layers of premium American and European hop aromas, brewed for the perfect balance of flavor and refreshment. Budweiser is made using time-honored methods including “kraeusening” for natural carbonation and Beechwood aging, which results in unparalleled balance and character.

About United Way of Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, serving communities in Pennsylvania’s Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, and New Jersey’s Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May and Cumberland counties , is part of a national network of more than 1,300 locally governed organizations that work to create lasting positive changes in communities and in people’s lives. United Way engages the community to identify the underlying causes of the most significant local issues, develops strategies and pulls together financial and human resources to address them, and measures the results. United Way is advancing the common good in Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey by positively impacting the lives of people throughout the region in the areas of education, income, and health.

United Way of Berks County
United Way of Berks County improves lives by inspiring collaboration, volunteerism and financial support to build a stronger community. We accomplish our work by focusing resources to tackle the challenges facing our community in the areas of education, financial stability, health and safety net services. We partner with 34 local health and human service agencies, as well as collaborate with businesses, the educational community, donors, volunteers and other community partners to help children succeed in school, work with families to become financially stable, promote healthy lifestyles and help those most in need. Working together for positive results strengthens the community for all of us. For more information about United Way of Berks County please visit www.uwberks.org.

Twenty Cities Advance in Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Latin American and Caribbean Mayors Challenge

June 20, 2016

NEW YORK, June 20, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Bloomberg Philanthropies today announced the 20 Latin American and Caribbean cities selected as finalists in its 2016 Mayors Challenge, a competition that encourages cities to generate bold ideas that solve urban challenges and improve city life – and have potential to spread. The finalists, hailing from 10 countries, will move forward to compete for a $5 million USD grand prize and four $1 million awards, as well as extensive implementation support. The ideas reflect creative new approaches to some of the most pressing issues facing cities in the region, including mobility, youth unemployment, waste management, obesity, and social and economic inclusion for immigrants and people with disabilities.

“We received so many great ideas for this Mayors Challenge, and narrowing it down to just 20 finalists was a big challenge in itself. These ideas really capture the diversity of the region and the creativity and commitment of its leaders and citizens in making cities work better. Each of them has the potential to improve the lives of local residents — and if they work, to spread far and wide. We look forward to working with all of the finalists on their proposals and to seeing the winning cities bring them to life,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies and three-term Mayor of New York City.

The 2016 Mayors Challenge is Bloomberg Philanthropies’ first in Latin America and the Caribbean following successful competitions in the United States and Europe. After receiving submissions from 290 eligible cities in April, Bloomberg Philanthropies conducted an intensive review of the ideas with the support of Bloomberg’s extensive global network and a selection committee of 13 innovation and policy experts from across Latin America and the Caribbean. Ultimately, the top 20 best and most innovative ideas were selected to move forward in the competition.

The 20 finalist ideas were evaluated against four key criteria – their idea’s vision, potential for impact, implementation plan, and potential to spread to other cities. Finalists will next attend Bloomberg Ideas Camp in Bogotá, Colombia – a two-day convening in July where leading innovation experts and peer cities will help finalists take their proposals from good to great. Prize winners will be announced by the end of 2016.

The finalists’ ideas (outlined below) illustrate fresh thinking to address common urban challenges experienced by cities across regions:

Asunción, Paraguay – Data: Closing the city’s socio-economic data gap by conducting citizen-led research to gather demographic information that can inform and measure the impact of policymaking for the first time.
Barueri, Brazil – Social Inclusion for People with Disabilities/Workforce Development: Increasing access to the workforce for people with disabilities by creating a physical and virtual network to improve job training, analyze workplace conditions, and provide technical assistance to employers and job candidates.
Bogotá, Colombia – Education: Twice daily, the city will leverage all transportation channels, public facilities, volunteers and the city’s cultural history to enhance and shorten the severe school commute times for children.
Cap-Haïtien , Haiti – Waste Solutions/ Environment: Reducing deforestation and mangrove destruction by creating community biodigesters, which are closed containers that break down organic waste and turn it into renewable energy.
Caracas, Venezuela – Social Inclusion for People with Disabilities/Mobility: Enrolling volunteers to drive people with motor disabilities to and from public transport points and providing assistance during their commutes, opening access to education, culture, healthcare, employment and productive citizenship for a vulnerable segment of the population.
Corumbá, Brazil – Environment/ Economic Development: Combatting further environmental degradation caused by improper disposal of ore – a mining byproduct – by repurposing the waste into productive materials for construction.
Curitiba, Brazil – Social Inclusion for People with Disabilities/Mobility: Drawing on its history of transit innovation, improving the mobility of disabled people by integrating more inclusive transport services and introducing better designed routes.
Estación Central, Chile – Social Inclusion for Immigrants / Entrepreneurship: Promoting social inclusion by matching immigrants with new business ideas to technical assistance, office space, and local entrepreneurs looking to partner to launch a new startup.
Godoy Cruz, Argentina – Waste Solutions: Preventing illegal waste disposal in canals – an essential feature of the city’s irrigation system – by placing sensors to monitor and identify the exact location where infractions occur.
Guadalajara, México – Transparency / Government Efficiency: Tackling corruption by streamlining the legal requirements for construction projects through a new geo-referenced app that publicly maps business names, plans, licenses and payments, speeding processing times and increasing transparency.
Kingston, Jamaica – Youth Unemployment / Workforce Development: Tackling entrenched youth unemployment through a mobile digital platform that encourages young people to explore, create, and access career opportunities in a variety of industries, especially Jamaica’s cultural and music industry, based on their strengths and interests.
Medellín, Colombia – Public Safety / Financial Empowerment: Reducing demand for illegal loans that finance organized crime by creating neighborhood lending collectives that offer low-interest commercial loans and connections to employment.
Milagro, Ecuador – Environmental Sustainability: Encouraging emergency preparedness for children through the creation of a network chaired and formed by students that promotes better preparation for adverse weather and natural disasters.
Pudahuel, Chile – Education: Pairing older residents wishing to volunteer with the children of working families in need of after-school child care, limiting social isolation for seniors and providing a vital service for families.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Public Health: Improving children’s healthcare standards and outcomes by removing silos and integrating data across agencies to improve the health and wellbeing of children ages zero to six.
Santiago (Commune), Chile – Public Health: Through citywide challenges, encourage neighborhood groups to work together to reduce childhood obesity; communities earn points they can use to fund local recreational and civic infrastructure.
São Paulo, Brazil – Economic Development: Creating an online exchange that connects growing local demand for locally produced farm products from restaurants, markets, and schools to struggling local farmers on the outskirts of the city, addressing a market failure.
Tlalnepantla de Baz, México – Social Cohesion: Publishing and promoting a municipal catalog of good deeds, an effort to address widespread civic apathy by engaging citizens in acts like helping the elderly and improving the local environment.
Tuxtla Gutiérrez, México – Anti-Corruption: Fighting corruption and improving efficiency by streamlining service delivery for public facing transactions and allowing users to monitor the activity of civil servants through a new mobile app.
Valdivia, Chile – Entrepreneurship: Directing promising academic research toward practical problems and helping the local economy by testing bright ideas from local universities in real-world markets with a new mobile lab.

“This year’s finalists are using innovation to address the concrete, clear, and urgent needs of citizens – with noteworthy emphasis on vulnerable populations,” said James Anderson, the head of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Government Innovation Programs. “There is so much cities around the globe can learn from the way these finalists are engaging citizens and data to meet pressing needs,” said James Anderson, the head of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Government Innovation program.

To learn more about the Mayors Challenge, visit www.mayorschallenge.bloomberg.org and @BloombergCities on Twitter and Instagram.

About Bloomberg Philanthropies

Bloomberg Philanthropies works in more than 120 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on five key areas for creating lasting change: Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s charitable activities, including his foundation and his personal giving. In 2015, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed over half a billion dollars. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter @BloombergDotOrg.

Media Contact
Bloomberg Philanthropies, Rebecca Carriero, (212) 205-0182 | [email protected]

Hold Their Feet to the Fire 2016: 50 Talk Radio Hosts from Across the Country to Broadcast from Washington, D.C., Discussing Immigration Policy, June 22 and 23

June 20, 2016

WASHINGTON, June 20, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — On June 22 and 23, talk radio hosts from across the country will broadcast from the Phoenix Park Hotel on Capitol Hill as part of the tenth annual Hold Their Feet to the Fire (F2F) event sponsored by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR).

The event will feature dozens of members of Congress, sheriffs, and other law enforcement officers, and the nation’s top experts on immigration policy. Immigration is not just a key issue in the 2016 presidential election. It’s going to be an important factor in races up and down the ballot this November. F2F 2016 will likely coincide with an important Supreme Court ruling in a case brought by 26 states challenging President Obama’s executive amnesty programs for about 4.7 million illegal aliens.

The second day of F2F will coincide with the vote in Britain (Brexit) deciding whether to remain in the European Union. According to polls, voter’s concerns about unrestricted immigration are the primary driving force behind support for the Brexit initiative.

As always, credentialed media are invited to attend F2F and may have unrestricted access to all hosts and the broad spectrum of guest interviewees on-site. Pre-registration is not required but media must check-in at the Event Desk and present credentials.

What: Hold Their Feet to the Fire radio row

When: Wednesday, June 22 and Thursday, June 23
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Where: Phoenix Park Hotel
520 North Capitol Street, Washington D.C.

Who: 50 talk radio hosts, members of Congress, law enforcement, immigration experts

Contact: Cassie Williams, press secretary FAIR, (479) 387-4113 or [email protected]

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130103/MM36576LOGO

International Bridal Manufacturers Association Announces First Annual National Bridal Sale Day

June 20, 2016

NEW YORK, June 20, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The first annual National Bridal Sale Day- Bridal Saturday- will take place on July 16, 2016. More than 700 independent locally-owned bridal retailers coast to coast- including some top bridal salons in the United States and Canada– will participate in this day meant to offer brides, bridesmaids, and wedding guests an unprecedented opportunity for substantial savings (in some salons up to 80% off) while supporting local bridal retailers.

“Conceptually, National Bridal Sale Day- Bridal Saturday- is intended to become a tradition for the bridal industry much like a Black Friday or Small Business Saturday is for other retail. It will be scheduled annually on the third Saturday in July,” says the event’s creator, Sue Maslowski, owner of Jay West Bridal in Haddonfield, N.J.

“At the same time, brides would not have to shop the Internet for price,” Maslowski says. “They could walk into any participating bridal salon across the country that day and touch, see and feel what they are purchasing with no surprises.”

Organizations supporting this event are The Knot, Brides, Wedding Wire, Bridal Guide, My Wedding, BrideClick, Vows Magazine, Association of Wedding Gown Specialists, International Bridal Manufacturers Association (IBMA).

A list of participating retailers can be found at www.nationalbridalsaleday.com. For more information, contact Sue Maslowski at [email protected]

CONTACT:
Sue Maslowski
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.nationalbridalsaleday.com

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