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Introducing Hallmark VIDA, A New Lifestyle Brand for Hispanic Consumers

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KANSAS CITY, Missouri, April 7, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — To help meet the ever-evolving needs of Hispanic consumers, Hallmark is transitioning its existing Spanish-language greetings line to a new lifestyle brand called Hallmark VIDA. VIDA, which translates to ‘life’ will include products and services that help people celebrate occasions both big and small, connect with friends and family and help cultivate traditions that are uniquely Hispanic. 

VIDA will address the needs of Spanish-speaking, bilingual and primarily English-speaking Hispanics in the United States by offering products in both Spanish and English. The available products will include greeting cards, ornaments, home décor and gifts and gift presentation items for both everyday occasions as well as key seasons like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Christmas.

“We recognize the importance of family, celebration and optimism in the Hispanic culture,” said Hallmark multicultural leader Carlos Ayala. “While the Spanish language is the primary attribute when it comes to cultural specificity, the VIDA brand will deliver distinct product solutions for these holidays and occasions that showcase the way Hispanic celebrations are unique and special.”

Recognizing the importance and symbolism of mothers and grandmothers in the Hispanic culture, Hallmark Vida products will be available in time for Mother’s Day. VIDA will be found wherever Hallmark products are sold including Hallmark Gold Crown stores, mass-channel retailers such as Walmart, Walgreens and CVS and online at HallmarkVida.com.

Additionally the Hallmark VIDA brand name has been registered around the world, including in the 17 Spanish-speaking countries that Hallmark already does business in, building the foundation for future opportunities. 

“We’re extremely excited to expand Hallmark’s current Hispanic offering to better reflect a world views” said Ayala. “We intend for Hallmark VIDA to be a global brand by honoring cultural heritage in our products and solutions in meaningful and authentic ways and that speaks to our consumers, regardless of one’s country of origin.”

About Hallmark
For more than 100 years, privately-held Hallmark has been dedicated to creating a more emotionally-connected world. In the U.S., products offered by Hallmark Greetings, Hallmark Retail and Hallmark Home & Gifts can be found in more than 32,000 retail accounts including mass retailers, Hallmark Gold Crown® stores and online. Hallmark’s family of companies also includes Crayola®, maker of creative art tools and toys, Crown Center, a mixed-use entertainment, office and residential district in Kansas City, and Hallmark International, which offers products in more than 30 languages available in 100 countries. Hallmark also is a majority stakeholder in Crown Media Family Networks, which owns and operates cable television’s Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., Hallmark employs 30,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit Hallmark.com. Connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

#PortadaLat: Nominate the best in Latin Marketing, Digital Innovation and Media

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#PortadaLat, organized by Portada, the leading Source on Latin Marketing and Media, is the premier conference in the Latin American and U.S. Hispanic marketing and media space. This marquee conference is a two-day annual gathering of key brand marketing, advertising, media and content leaders from all over the Americas. In its 8th annual edition, #PortadaLat will be a two day event brimming with fresh ideas, market intelligence and networking opportunities. The event will take place in Miami's Hyatt Regency Hotel on June 8-9, 2016. Only Portada can provide you with the highest quality up-to-date content and introduce you to hundreds

MIAMI, April 7, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — PortadaLat (http://www.portada-online.com/events/portadalat), the main event for brand marketers, advertising executives, media and digital innovators targeting the Latin American and U.S. Hispanic space taking place in Miami’s Hyatt Regency Hotel on June 8-9, 2016, announces awards in 12 different categories.

#PortadaLat, organized by Portada, the leading Source on Latin Marketing and Media, is the premier conference in the Latin American and U.S. Hispanic marketing and media space. This marquee conference is a two-day annual gathering of key brand marketing, advertising, media and content leaders from all over the Americas. In its 8th annual edition, #PortadaLat will be a two day event brimming with fresh ideas, market intelligence and networking opportunities. The event will take place in Miami's Hyatt Regency Hotel on June 8-9, 2016. Only Portada can provide you with the highest quality up-to-date content and introduce you to hundreds

To attend PortadaLat, please register at Early Bird here: http://www.portada-online.com/events/portadalat

Peer-to-Peer Recognition
PortadaLat Awards are unique because the winners, to be announced at the Award Ceremony on June 9, are both the result of the votes of thousands of industry peers throughout the Americas, as well as of the decisions taken by Portada’s Editorial Team of Brand Marketers. For more details and the timeline see below.

2016 PortadaLat Advertising And Media Award Categories
Top Travel Marketing Campaign
Best Use of Data in a Marketing Campaign
Top Marketer to Latin American Audiences
Top Latin Online Video Campaign
Top Panregional Integrated Advertising Campaign
Top Panregional Advertising Campaign
Top Latin Content Marketing Campaign
Top Latin American Digital Media Agency
Top Latin American Media Buying Agency
Top Latin American Digital Innovator
Top Content Provider to Latin American Audiences
Top Panregional Marketing and Media Professional
PLUS: “Grand Winner” (Most Voted Winner of Above Categories)

Nominate now: http://www.portada-online.com/events/portadalat/#Awards

Timeline of PortadaLat Awards:

  • MARCH 21 – APRIL 15: AWARD NOMINATION PERIOD
    Nominations in 12 different categories for Latin American and U.S. Hispanic Advertising and Media Awards are open for submission until April 15.
  • APRIL 18– May 2: AWARD VOTING PERIOD
    Portada’s audience throughout the Americas votes for the different candidates.
  • MAY 9: FINALISTS ARE ANNOUNCED
    Finalists will consist of the top three most-voted nominees per category. Portada’s Award Jury will cast the final votes and choose the winner in each category, and winners will be announced at #PortadaLat’s Award Ceremony on June 9, 2016. The Award Winner with most votes of the 12 categories is the 2016 Grand Winner.
  • Portada’s Editorial Board Members (Award Jury) will choose among the three finalists in each category.
    Jury members include:
    • Carlos Espíndola, Gerente eHub Latinoamérica, 3M
    • José Ruiz, Director, LAD Advertising & Online, Oracle
    • Giselle Fiumara, Global Marketing Communications Manager, Volkswagen 
    • Raquel Solórzano, Directora de Medios Regionales, Diageo

Already Confirmed Sponsors of PortadaLat (June 8-9 at Miami’s Hyatt Regency)

Leader Sponsor Plus
Taboola (www.taboola.com/)
Brand Networks (http://bn.co/)

Leader Sponsor: Sojern (www.sojern.com)

Distinguished Sponsor: Hola (www.hola.com) 

Attendee Bag Sponsor: Latcom (www.latcom.com) 

Attendee Badge Sponsor: Multimedia Inc. (www.multimediausa.com)

Official Wire Partner: Marketwired (www.marketwired.com)

To align your brand with the 8th annual edition of  PortadaLat, the main conference for Brand Marketers, Digital Innovators, Media Properties and Influencers targeting the Latin American and U.S. Hispanic markets, please contact Portada’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Kelley Eberhardt at [email protected].

Contact Information:
Kelley Eberhardt
Director of Sales and Marketing at Portada
Email: [email protected]

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160406/352579

States and Test Developers Need to Improve How They Identify and Serve English Language Learners

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ETS logo.

PRINCETON, New Jersey, April 7, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Effective practices for identifying students who are English learners (ELs) are crucial to serving this large and growing population of students. However, states, districts and even individual schools differ in the methods they use to identify EL students. This calls into question the reliability and validity of identification practices and creates a risk that ELs may not receive the instructional services they need to help them succeed academically, according to a new research report from Educational Testing Service (ETS).

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“Key Issues and Opportunities in the Initial Identification and Classification of English Learners,” was written by Alexis A. Lopez and Emilie Pooler of ETS, and Robert Linquanti of WestEd. It is the fourth in a series of K-12 EL research reports discussing next-generation English language proficiency systems to support the education of K-12 ELs in the United States.

“We have highlighted several issues with current policies, processes, and tools to identify and classify English learners,” says Lopez. “We have also offered a number of recommendations to address these issues and improve the initial identification and classification of English learners. We hope that, by considering these recommendations, it will be possible to help ensure that the emerging generation of initial English language proficiency assessments will better serve the needs of English learners and their educators.”

“Without appropriate initial English language proficiency assessments, educators are less likely to make valid classification decisions, and that can lead to under identification or over identification of students as English learners,” adds Pooler. “In order to help prevent misclassification of students, it is important to aim to ensure that initial English language proficiency assessments are developed specifically for initial classification purposes.”

“Ensuring EL students receive specialized instructional support services to which they are legally entitled is predicated on appropriately identifying and classifying such students,” says Linquanti. “Incorrectly classified students are less likely to be provided with instructional services that match their strengths and needs. So the stakes associated with initial ELP assessments are significant.”

In the new report, the authors review assessments and approaches used to initially identify and classify English learners, and offer recommendations to help state and local educators, policymakers and test developers strengthen and improve the process.

Download a copy of this paper at http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ets2.12090.

Download other papers in the series:

  1. Creating a Next-Generation System of K–12 English Learner (EL) Language Proficiency Assessments
  2. Conceptualizing Accessibility for English Language Proficiency Assessments
  3. Next-Generation Summative English Language Proficiency Assessments for English Learners: Priorities for Policy and Research

About ETS
At ETS, we advance quality and equity in education for people worldwide by creating assessments based on rigorous research. ETS serves individuals, educational institutions and government agencies by providing customized solutions for teacher certification, English language learning, and elementary, secondary and postsecondary education, and by conducting education research, analysis and policy studies. Founded as a nonprofit in 1947, ETS develops, administers and scores more than 50 million tests annually — including the TOEFL® and TOEIC ® tests, the GRE ® tests and The Praxis Series ® assessments — in more than 180 countries, at over 9,000 locations worldwide. www.ets.org

About WestEd
WestEd — a nonpartisan, nonprofit research, development, and service agency — works with education and other communities throughout the United States and abroad to promote excellence, achieve equity, and improve learning for children, youth, and adults. www.wested.org

The Makers of the HERDEZ® Brand Partner with Celebrity Chef Martita Jara and Mini Chef Jojo to Celebrate Día del Niño

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The Makers of the HERDEZ(R) Brand Partner with Celebrity Chef Martita Jara and Mini Chef Jojo to Celebrate Dia del Nino

ORANGE, California, April 6, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Día del Niño or Day of the Child, a nationally recognized Mexican holiday (typically taking place on April 30th) began in 1925 as a way to celebrate children and the important roles they play in society. Since then the holiday has evolved taking its place on the world stage, and though dates and traditions among countries may differ slightly the theme of celebrating our children remains key. That’s why this year the makers of the HERDEZ® brand, the number one salsa brand in Mexico, are partnering with Celebrity Chef Martita Jara and her nephew Jojo, mini Chef in training, to encourage everyone to celebrate our children every day by cooking with them.

The Makers of the HERDEZ(R) Brand Partner with Celebrity Chef Martita Jara and Mini Chef Jojo to Celebrate Dia del Nino

 

“My mama inspired me to cook and in turn I want to pass down the traditions, starting with my nephew Jojo,” said Chef Martita Jara, Food Network Star Alumni and cast member of OWN’s Home Made Simple. “We’ve been cooking with the HERDEZ® brand since he was able to sit up. Sharing these moments with our kids means the world to them.” 

In honor of the holiday, Chef Martita Jara and Jojo have created simple kid-friendly recipes with everyday household ingredients like tortillas, cheese, salsa and broccoli to help kids and families collaborate in the kitchen, preparing easy after school snacks, light lunches and even dinner together. Available exclusively on www.herdeztraditions.com, Martita and Jojo’s recipes include:

  • Pizza Casera— This all-time favorite gives traditional pizza an HERDEZ® brand twist. Featuring a combination of Salsa Casera, Salsa Verde, on a tortilla crust, topped with jack cheese, ham, basil, herbs and a touch of olive oil. Perfect for a quick and tasty after-school snack.
  • Albondigas de Pollo a la Barbacoa— Barbeque delight! This version of meatballs including chicken, jack cheese, HERDEZ® Salsa Verde, oregano, breadcrumbs, spices and homemade barbeque sauce will create fun forms in the kitchen culminating in a leisurely light lunch.
  • Mac and Cheese Verde— No kid-friendly recipe is complete without mouthwatering mac and cheese. This take incorporates pasta, tortillas, milk, butter, broccoli, sharp cheddar, HERDEZ® Salsa Verde, Maseca, a touch of olive oil and spices to taste for a crisp, creamy creation.
  • Cheesy Spinach Enchiladas— This appetizing arrangement is made with tortillas, spinach, jack cheese, corn, avocado, olive oil, spices and a combination of HERDEZ® Salsa Casera and Salsa Verde. Inspired by traditional enchiladas and elaborated with kid-friendly ingredients, this recipe is a delicious dinner-must the whole family can enjoy.

“Food is always a part of the celebration! Most of our happy childhood memories are centered around our Tia’s kitchen,” said Gilberto Gutierrez, senior brand manager for the HERDEZ® brand. “Martita and Jojo’s Día del Niño recipes are an easy and fun way to celebrate our kids and get them involved in the cooking experience.”

To further encourage the celebration, the makers of the HERDEZ® brand are hosting a “Celebrate Your Chef” video and photo social media contest so families can get that extra motivation to jump in the kitchen with their kids and win fun prizes. Simply cook with your kid, capture the moment and share on Facebook or Instagram using #HERDEZKids for a chance to WIN $1,000 cash, cooking classes and prizes. All participants are eligible for a free child-size apron while supplies last.

For more information on the HERDEZ® Brand “Celebrate Your Chef” Contest, to download kid-friendly recipes or learn more about the holiday visit www.herdeztraditions.com/dia-del-nino. Follow the HERDEZ® brand via social media on Facebook and Instagram @HERDEZTraditions and on Twitter @HERDEZBrand. Join the conversation via #HERDEZKids.

About the HERDEZ® Brand

HERDEZ® salsa is made the authentic way, using fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, chile peppers and cilantro. Today, HERDEZ® Salsa is the No.1 selling salsa brand in Mexico and a growing staple in homes in the United States. HERDEZ® authentic Mexican products are available nationwide at major grocery stores.  Visit www.herdeztraditions.com for more information.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160406/352357 

Oscar De La Hoya To Keynote At Launch Of NAB Show Multicultural TV & Video Conference Wednesday, April 20, 2016

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Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman & CEO, Golden Boy Promotions

NEW YORK, April 4, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is introducing the new Multicultural TV & Video Conference, Wednesday, April 20 in Las Vegas during 2016 NAB Show, the world’s largest annual conference and expo for professionals who create, manage and distribute entertainment across all platforms.  The conference produced by the Schramm Marketing Group, will focus on how media companies can best capitalize on the diverse audiences of television and video content viewing.

Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman & CEO, Golden Boy Promotions

“We are pleased to create and produce this event on behalf of our clients at the NAB. The conference theme is Unleashing Tactics for Monetizing Diverse Audiences.  I applaud the NAB for introducing a new conference focused on this important conversation, and I am grateful to our sponsors, Google, Olympusat and Vemox, for their support of this initiative,” said Joe Schramm, President of Schramm Marketing Group.

Olympic gold medalist and 10-time world boxing champion Oscar De La Hoya will present the opening keynote of the conference. Since retiring from the ring in 2009, he has focused his attention on building the company he founded, Golden Boy Promotions, into one of the most successful boxing promotion companies in the world.  De La Hoya has also earned recognition as a Grammy-nominated singer and for his philanthropic contributions to the Mexican American community.

Another special session of the conference features Constance Wu, a leading star of ABC’s “Fresh Off the Boat,” along with Melvin Mar, the show’s executive producer, and Samie Kim Falvey, executive vice-president for Comedy Development and International Scripted Development, at ABC Entertainment. The popular weekly sitcom, about an Asian family and their efforts to assimilate with the American culture, has recently been renewed for its third season and continues to attract a growing cross-cultural audience. 

Another session addresses the topic of maintaining diversity in talent and management. The session entitled, “How Do Diverse Voices Matter?”, features Axel Caballero, executive director, The National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP); Kelly Edwards, vice-president of talent development for programming at HBO; Donna Michelle Anderson, president of Planet DMA; DuJuan McCoy, owner, president & CEO of Bayou City Broadcasting; Rick Marroquin, executive, at Creative Artists Agency and Raul Mateu, president, of the Fluent Media Group.

A session entitled, “What’s Everyone Watching?” includes leading programming executives including Antonio Briceño, deputy managing director, beIN SPORTS US & Canada; James Brown, executive vice-president, content distribution, talent & marketing, REVOLT MEDIA & TV; Austin Powers, president, Olympusat Telecom; Lynnette Ramirez, senior vice-president, original content, Fuse Media; Miguel Santos, general manager, Myx TV and  Sandra Smester, executive vice-president of programming, Univision Network.

A research session titled “Getting to Know you”, includes Carol M. Hinnant, senior vice-president, National Television Sales, comScore; Eliana Murillo, Head of Multicultural Marketing, Google; Dritan Nesho. Head of Microsoft Pulse; and Adriana Waterston, senior vice-president of Insights and Strategy, Horowitz Research.

The final special session of the conference puts the spotlights on a select number of leading multicultural advertising executives in a conversation about generating revenues, entitled “Brought to you buy….”   The featured executives of this special session are Gonzalo Del Fa, President, GroupM Multicultural; and Jay Kim, Managing Director, AAAZA, Inc.

Admittance to this conference on Wednesday, April 20 in Room N249 at the Las Vegas Convention Center during 2016 NAB Show requires either an NAB Show “Conference Flex Pass” or “Smart Pass”.  One-day registration packages are also available.  For more information visit http://www.nabshow.com/attend/registration-packages.   

About NAB Show
NAB Show, held April 16-21, 2016 in Las Vegas, is the world’s largest electronic media show covering the creation, management and delivery of content across all platforms. With 103,000 attendees from 166 countries and 1,700+ exhibitors, NAB Show is the ultimate marketplace for digital media and entertainment. From creation to consumption, across multiple platforms and countless nationalities, NAB Show is home to the solutions that transcend traditional broadcasting and embrace content delivery to new screens in new ways. For complete details, visit www.nabshow.com.

About NAB 
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America’s broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.

About Schramm Marketing Group:
Schramm Marketing Group is a marketing services company that specializes in multicultural and targeted marketing as well as event, and conference production. Its clients include the leading brands in television, sports, publishing, and not-for-profit organizations. For more information please visit www.schrammnyc.com

Contact:

Rafael Eli
Schramm Marketing Group
212-983-0219
[email protected]

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160404/351071

Generac to Acquire Majority Share of PR Industrial

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WAUKESHA, Wisconsin, April 6, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Generac Holdings Inc. (NYSE: GNRC) (“Generac”), a leading designer and manufacturer of power generation equipment and other engine powered products, announced today the signing of an agreement to acquire a majority share of PR Industrial S.r.l and its subsidiaries, owner of the Pramac® brand (collectively Pramac).  The transaction is expected to close prior to the end of the first quarter of 2016.

Founded in 1966 by the Campinoti family and headquartered in Siena, Italy, Pramac is a leading manufacturer of stationary and mobile generators for a variety of commercial and industrial applications primarily sold under the Pramac® brand, as well as portable generators used for numerous residential, light construction and recreational purposes.  The company also has a line of material handling equipment sold under the Lifter® brand.  Selling into over 150 countries through a broad distribution network, Pramac employs over 600 people across its four manufacturing plants and 14 commercial branches worldwide.  

“Acquiring a majority share of Pramac will be a great strategic fit for Generac as we build out our power generation business around the globe,” said Aaron Jagdfeld, President and Chief Executive Officer.  “This acquisition will dramatically increase our global presence by adding product, manufacturing and distribution capabilities that serve local markets around the world.  In addition to creating global opportunities for our existing product lines, this transaction should also generate meaningful cost synergies as we leverage our combined sourcing and manufacturing capabilities across the world.”

CONTACT:
Michael W. Harris
Vice President – Finance 
(262) 544-4811 x2675
[email protected]

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Tech Startup PlaceAVote Launches Innovative Platform to Activate the People’s Voice in Politics

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NEW YORK, April 6, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ —  Political engagement startup PlaceAVote.com, announces today the launch of its web and mobile platforms. The secure, nonpartisan forum gives users a place to read, debate, and securely vote on political issues.

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Voters are increasingly facing a crisis of confidence when it comes to the political system. Today, only 19% of Americans say they trust the government always or most of the time, and when it comes to politicians, 55% of the public says that “ordinary Americans” would do a better job in solving national problems than elected officials [1]. Consequently, average U.S. voter turnout trails most other developed countries [2]. PlaceAVote’s goal is to make the democratic process more accessible by providing district voters an easy way to connect with their representatives and share their thoughts throughout the legislative process. Simultaneously, this gives elected officials the ability to vote along with their constituencies. Now, there’s a direct line to politicians, boosting American civic engagement and eliminating the “my vote doesn’t count” concern.

This transparent service gives PlaceAVote users a greater voice in national politics, allowing visibility into the latest bills, as well as the ability to instantly send feedback and messages to the representatives passing these bills. Congressmen, via PlaceAVote, now have a granular snapshot into their district’s views on all issues. In turn, these active voters can gain their own following, become subject matter experts and engage with public officials while publishing personal votes.

“Our platform is intended to help citizens improve the weight of their votes, and hopefully encourage them to be involved and turn out for Election Day,” states Luke Davis, Co-Founder of PlaceAVote. He adds, “PlaceAVote is the much-needed first step towards a better government that truly works for its people. Let’s use technology to prioritize the issues we care about and loudly communicate them to those we put in power as our delegates.”

Through secure, proprietary technology built on Ethereum (an evolution of the blockchain database), PlaceAVote protects and verifies the identity and accuracy of each user and their information. The software is intended to create a real-time mechanism for the national population to interact with their politicians with the aim to encourage others to be better informed, have a stance and to make their voice heard.

By using PlaceAVote’s technology, voters will be encouraged to share their inner voices while overcoming national concerns to uncover the hidden workings of what drives political movements. This new social platform will create a more engaged network of politically engaged users.  

Link to download imagery

Link to download PlaceAVote Campaign Video

About PlaceAVote:
PlaceAVote is a secure, nonpartisan forum that lets users read, debate, and vote on every bill before congress. Users are securely verified with results published onto a blockchain-style voting platform, allowing real-time data-feeds and analytics for politicians, organizations and media looking to engage politically active users. PlaceAVote was founded in Los Angeles, California by Ben Colman and Luke Davis. For more information, please visit PlaceAVote.com.

Media Contact:
Kelly Ricci
[email protected]
407.421.4182

[1] People-press.org, May 5th, 2015, P2, http://www.people-press.org/2015/11/23/beyond-distrust-how-americans-view-their-government/

[2] Pew Research Center, November 23rd, 2015, P2, http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/05/06/u-s-voter-turnout-trails-most-developed-countries/

Chevrolet, Buick and GMC Expand Military Discounts

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DETROIT, April 6, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today through May 31, 2016, Chevrolet, Buick and GMC will expand their military discount programs for all 21 million U.S. military veterans and their spouses, in honor of National Military Appreciation Month.

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“These brave men and women have done so much for our country,” said Steve Hill, GM vice president of U.S. sales and service. “Making sure all veterans can take advantage of our military discount to celebrate Military Appreciation Month is one small way we can express our gratitude.”

GM offers the industry’s most comprehensive automotive military discount program. The program is typically available to U.S. military veterans within one year of separation, active-duty personnel, reservists, retirees and their spouses. In honor of May’s National Military Appreciation Month, the program expands to include all veterans – regardless of their separation date – and their spouses.

The discount is available for popular models, including the all-new Chevrolet Malibu, GMC Sierra and Buick Encore. Because the discount can be combined with most current incentives, veterans could save thousands of dollars on some vehicles. For details, visit gmmilitarydiscount.com.

“The Military Discount is one of many GM efforts to say thank you to U.S. military families,” said Ken Barrett, GM chief diversity officer and a former U.S. Navy captain. “Through our strong partnerships with Building for America’s Bravest, Hiring Our Heroes and the Achilles Freedom Team, we are committed to hiring and helping veterans.”

GM has supported the U.S. military since 1917, when 90 percent of GM’s truck production was directed towards WWI manufacturing. During WWII, GM converted all its plant facilities in support of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s call for an “Arsenal of Democracy,” and has produced more U.S. military vehicles than any manufacturer in history.

Today, GM is hiring and helping the latest generation of veterans as they return home. As a national partner of Hiring Our Heroes, GM joined other military-friendly employers to help the campaign find jobs for more than 500,000 veterans since 2012.

In 2016, GM was the only automaker named a “Best for Vets” employer by Military Times and a “Military Spouse Friendly” employer by Military Spouse magazine.

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

Borinqueneers To Be Honored At Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony

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WASHINGTON, April 6, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — History will be made on April 13, 2016 as veterans of the 65th Infantry Regiment are honored by leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate with the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal for its valor, determination and bravery displayed during the Korean War.  The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor the United States Congress can bestow.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160406/352020

Multiple members of the House and Senate who supported the initiative will attend and/or speak at the bipartisan, bicameral ceremony event, including Congressman Pedro Pierluisi (D-PR) and Congressman Bill Posey (R-FL), Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).

Originated in Puerto Rico in 1899, members of the 65th Infantry Regiment known as the Borinqueneers  have the distinction of having participated in all global wars of the 20th Century, including World War I, World War II and the Korean War.  In addition to the Congressional Gold Medal, the Regiment earned a collective nine Distinguished Service Crosses, approximately 250 Silver Stars, more than 600 Bronze Stars, more than 2,700 Purple Hearts, and 15 Unit Citations for its extraordinary service to the Nation during the Korean War.

In an effort to further awareness and recognition of these national heroes and their achievements, the not-for-profit Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony National Committee (BCGMCNC) was created.  In addition to organizing all the activities associated with the unveiling ceremony in DC, the group is also planning additional ceremonies in San Juan, Puerto Rico and Central Florida. 

The group’s founder and CEO, Samuel Rodríguez, was chosen to collaborate with the US Mint on the design of the medal which will be given to the Smithsonian Institute and placed on public display following the ceremony.  In an effort to expose as many of the Borinqueneers and their families to the medal, it is the hope of the BCGMCNC that the medal can be toured and displayed at appropriate locations across the country.  In addition, an initiative is currently underway to buy replica medals from the U. S. Mint that will be given free of cost to members of the regiment and their direct descendants. 

“In accordance with Public Law No: 113-20, a single gold medal has been struck to honor the Borinqueneers,” said Rodríguez.  “But we think that each member deserves their own medal. There are more than 1,000 living veterans throughout the United States, and, thanks to Goya Foods, Inc., we have raised enough so far to give one to each of the 230 attendees who will be at the ceremony in Washington, D.C.  However, we still need funds for the rest so that no veteran is left out.”

While the BCGMCNC was originally established as a way to enhance the Congressional Gold Medal ceremony by adding events and activities for the Borinqueneers and their families and to raise funds for the replica medals, Rodríguez sees a greater purpose.  “These veterans deserve recognition and our great Nation needs to be educated about them,” said Rodríguez.  “Through educating people about their courage and heroism, we are carrying on their legacy and hopefully inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.”

Donations are currently being accepted at http://www.gofundme.com/65thBCGMCNC.

About the BCGMCNC
The Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony National Committee (BCGMCNC) is a national non-profit organization committed to honoring and celebrating all of the members of the U.S. Army’s 65th Infantry Regiment known as the Borinqueneers, including those that are Missing in Action, Prisoners of War, Fallen, Departed and Living from 1899 – 1956 by: Paying tribute to the Veterans; Promoting their legacy; and Educating the public.  To learn more about the BCGMCNC visit http://www.bcgmceremony.org

Kripalu Partners With Rina Jakubowicz To Host First Spanish-Language Yoga Teacher Training

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STOCKBRIDGE, Massachusetts, April 6, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health today announced that it has partnered with Rina Jakubowicz, an internationally renowned yoga teacher trainer, to launch the first-ever Spanish-language yoga teacher training at a major school of yoga in the United States. The two-part program will run from July 31st – August 12th and again from October 30th – November 11th at the Kripalu Center in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, and will be delivered entirely in Spanish. At the core of the partnership is Kripalu’s commitment to break down barriers in the yoga community and to bring the positive benefits of yoga to more diverse populations including Spanish-speaking communities that may have historically lacked access, or that may be underserved.

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“We are very excited to launch this Spanish-language yoga teacher training and are grateful for this important collaboration with Rina,” said David Lipsius, CEO of the Kripalu Center of Yoga & Health. “The U.S. is the second largest Spanish-speaking country in the world and our hope is that through this program and others, Kripalu can continue to promote and celebrate all facets of inclusiveness and diversity within the field of yoga education. This program is an important step toward creating an awakened, compassionate and connected world and we are honored to train these teachers.”

The Spanish-language yoga teacher training will be held starting in July 2016 at Kripalu Center, the largest yoga retreat and educational center in North America, and home to the highly acclaimed Kripalu Schools of Yoga and Ayurveda. The two-part training, which is Yoga Alliance-certified, will be led by Rina Jakubowicz, an internationally recognized yoga teacher and founder of Rina Yoga in Miami, Florida.  Rina will provide participants deeper knowledge in the following:

  • Foundational yoga postures and proper alignment
  • Fundamental yogic breathing practices, focus techniques, and centering meditations
  • Basic anatomy and physiology as applied to yoga
  • Yoga philosophy
  • Teaching methodology
  • Sequencing

“It is my hope that this training ignites a movement; a conscious movement for Hispanics,” said Jakubowicz. “There are so many Spanish-speaking communities across the world who have yet to experience the benefits of yoga because they don’t have access to it, and my goal for this program is to create an abundance of opportunities for them to practice in their native tongue and to experience all of its gifts.”

For more information on Kripalu’s 200-Hour Spanish-Language Teacher Training or to register for the program, visit https://kripalu.org/presenters-programs/200-hour-yoga-teacher-training-en-espa-ol-rina-jakubowicz-kripalu-center-parts-1.   

About Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health
Kripalu is the epicenter of evidence-based, humanity-inspired yoga. Humanity-inspired yoga is an inclusive approach that unifies the diverse community of yoga teachers and traditions behind the single goal of elevating the global human experience through the cultivation of compassion. Kripalu is a non-profit, educational organization located in Stockbridge, Mass. For more information, visit https://kripalu.org/, like Kripalu on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kripalucenter/, or follow the center on Twitter and Instagram @KripaluCenter.

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